Harvard Under Scrutiny: DOJ and Education Department Launch Investigations
Harvard University is facing increased federal scrutiny as the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Education launch twin investigations into the university’s admissions policies and handling of antisemitism complaints. The probes reach amid growing concerns about discrimination and a perceived failure to protect Jewish students on campus.
Investigations Focus on Admissions and Antisemitism
The Department of Education announced on March 24, 2026, that it is launching two separate investigations into Harvard University. One investigation will scrutinize the university’s compliance with the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling that struck down affirmative action policies in college admissions. The second investigation will focus on complaints of antisemitism on campus. [Source: The Harvard Crimson]
These investigations follow a recent lawsuit filed by the DOJ against Harvard, alleging that the university failed to adequately protect Jewish and Israeli students following the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas. [Source: The Harvard Crimson]
Northwestern University Agreement
The increased scrutiny of universities regarding antisemitism extends beyond Harvard. In November 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reached an agreement with Northwestern University to address concerns about discrimination. [Source: U.S. Department of Justice]
As part of the agreement, Northwestern will pay $75 million to the United States through 2028 and will adhere to federal anti-discrimination laws, ensuring that race, color, or national origin are not factors in admissions, scholarships, hiring, or promotions. The university will also implement mandatory antisemitism training for all students, faculty, and staff. [Source: U.S. Department of Justice]
Broader Concerns About Antisemitism in Higher Education
These investigations and agreements reflect a broader national conversation about antisemitism in U.S. Higher education. Antisemitism and discrimination against Jewish people have been present in American universities since their founding, with indirect quotas on Jewish admissions common from the early 20th century until the 1960s. [Source: Wikipedia – Antisemitism in US higher education] These quotas largely disappeared by the 1970s.
Some observers have noted a resurgence of antisemitism in recent years, linked to the growth of anti-Zionism and opposition to Israeli actions, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. [Source: Wikipedia – Antisemitism in US higher education] Protests in solidarity with Palestine have, at times, been characterized as antisemitic by supporters of Israel, and U.S. Politicians. [Source: Wikipedia – Antisemitism in US higher education]
Looking Ahead
The investigations at Harvard and the agreement with Northwestern signal a heightened focus on protecting students from discrimination and ensuring compliance with federal civil rights laws. Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that the Department of Education will “vigorously hold [Harvard] to account” if it is found to be non-compliant. [Source: The Harvard Crimson] The outcomes of these investigations could have significant implications for other universities across the country.