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Harvard University announced Tuesday that it has partially resolved lawsuits alleging the school inadequately addressed harassment of Jewish students amid campus protests related to the war in Gaza.

Under the settlement, Harvard has agreed to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and strengthen training for staff and students. The university will also update its antidiscrimination policies to recognize Zionism, the belief in a Jewish homeland, as an integral part of Jewish identity for many, and to classify harassment or exclusion based on that belief as a policy violation.

Although the settlement includes undisclosed monetary terms, Harvard did not admit liability or wrongdoing.

Settlement Details and Reactions

The agreement was announced in a joint statement by Harvard and the plaintiffs: Students Against Antisemitism, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, and Jewish Americans for Fairness in Education.

Harvard committed to releasing annual reports on its responses to incidents of discrimination and harassment, starting with cases dating back to October 2023. The university will also host an annual symposium on antisemitism to further educational efforts.

“We are resolute in our efforts to confront antisemitism,” a Harvard spokesperson said. “Today’s settlement reflects our dedication to maintaining a welcoming, safe campus environment where every student feels a sense of belonging.”

Marc Kasowitz of Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP, representing Students Against Antisemitism, praised the settlement as “specific, meaningful actions to combat antisemitism, hate, and bias on college campuses.”

Kenneth L. Marcus, founder and chair of the Brandeis Center, called the settlement “an important step” toward ensuring that Jewish students can thrive in an environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Ongoing Legal Claims

The settlement does not include claims from the original lead plaintiff, Alexander Kestenbaum, a former Harvard Divinity School student, who will continue to pursue his lawsuit independently.

Kestenbaum alleged that Harvard failed to discipline students and faculty who targeted Jewish students during protests over Israel’s response to the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks.

Background and Legal Precedent

The lawsuits gained traction after a federal district judge ruled in 2023 that the plaintiffs plausibly alleged Harvard had failed its Jewish students, describing the university’s public declarations against antisemitism as “hollow.” Judge Richard Stearns allowed the claims to proceed, citing evidence that Harvard did not take meaningful action against harassment.

Representation

• Plaintiffs: Students Against Antisemitism are represented by Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP and Donnelly Conroy & Gelhaar LLP.
  The Louis D. Brandeis Center and Jewish Americans for Fairness in Education are represented by attorneys from the Brandeis Center and Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP.
• Alexander Kestenbaum: Represented by Libby Hoopes Brooks & Mulvey PC and Holtzman Vogel PLLC.
• Harvard: Represented by WilmerHale and King & Spalding LLP.

The settlement reflects a growing recognition of antisemitism concerns in higher education and could serve as a model for other universities.