Education and Health Departments cite violation of federal antidiscrimination laws, notify the accreditor of Harvard’s alleged noncompliance with Title VI.
The U.S. Departments of Education and of Health and Human Services (HHS) formally notified the New England Commission of Higher Education that Harvard University is in violation of federal anti-discrimination laws, specifically Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The agencies cited findings from HHS’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which concluded that Harvard failed to adequately address antisemitic harassment and discrimination on its campus, potentially jeopardizing the university’s accreditation status. Under a federal executive order that is intended to strengthen oversight of higher education, accrediting bodies must be alerted when a member institution is found noncompliant with civil rights laws.
“When an institution—no matter how prestigious—abandons its mission and fails to protect its students, it forfeits the legitimacy that accreditation is designed to uphold,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “HHS and the Department of Education will actively hold Harvard accountable through sustained oversight until it restores public trust and ensures a campus free of discrimination.”
The accreditor will need to review the findings and determine whether Harvard remains eligible for accreditation. If the university does not take sufficient corrective action, the Commission may impose sanctions. This follows an expanded compliance review that began after complaints emerged from Harvard’s 2024 commencement events.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretaries Kennedy and McMahon as they seek to ensure institutions of higher education adhere to and uphold civil rights laws.
- For members of the commission as they assess the allegations of noncompliance with accreditation requirements.
- For U.S. federal officials as they work to maintain safety for college students across the nation.
Sources: Department of Health and Human Services
