Harvard is taking legal action against the Trump administration’s alleged interference in the university’s operations under the pretext of protecting Jewish students from antisemitism. While Harvard asserts it has effectively addressed any issues of antisemitism on campus, the government’s intervention and Harvard’s response both raise concerns.

A group of 27 Jewish scholars in Jewish studies has filed an amicus brief in support of Harvard’s lawsuit against the government. They argue that while they back the university’s resistance to governmental overreach, Harvard has itself engaged in a form of discrimination that contravenes federal civil rights law. The scholars reject Harvard’s implication that being Jewish equates to supporting Israel, or that criticism of Israel’s actions amounts to antisemitism.

Harvard’s claims about antisemitism on campus are critiqued for misrepresenting Jewish diversity and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Jewish identity, potentially violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The university’s narrative linking protests against Israel with antisemitism is disputed, as it overlooks the diverse range of Jewish perspectives on Israel and Zionism.

The scholars argue that Harvard’s approach not only erases Jewish diversity but also harms those who do not conform to expected political views, citing instances of discriminatory treatment towards Jewish students with differing opinions on Israel. The adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism is also criticized for conflating criticism of Israel with prejudice against Jewish people, potentially leading to illegal discrimination under Title VI.

In conclusion, the scholars call for universities to cease policing the boundaries of Jewish legitimacy and instead respect Jewish agency and diverse perspectives. They emphasize that Jewish identity should not be tied to political beliefs and urge institutions to stop silencing dissenting Jewish voices and treating criticism of Israel as antisemitism.