The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced on Mar. 23 that it has opened two new investigations into Harvard University regarding allegations of ongoing discrimination against students based on race, color, and national origin in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The announcement comes as concerns persist about compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws at one of the nation’s most prominent universities. The OCR said it will examine whether Harvard continues to use illegal race-based preferences in admissions despite a Supreme Court ruling and will also look into reports of ongoing antisemitic harassment on campus and claims that the university has failed to protect Jewish students.
According to the press release, "OCR will investigate whether Harvard continues to use illegal race-based preferences in admissions despite the Supreme Court’s definitive ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard." The department also stated, "OCR will also investigate alleged ongoing antisemitic harassment on Harvard’s campus and the institution’s purported failure to protect Jewish students." If continued discrimination is found, officials say they will take action to hold Harvard accountable.
In addition, OCR issued a Letter of Impending Enforcement Action after what it described as repeated refusals by Harvard to provide requested information related to its admissions process. The department said that despite multiple requests since May 2025, Harvard has not provided necessary data for compliance determination. The university now faces a 20-day deadline before potential enforcement actions are taken, which could include referral to the U.S. Department of Justice.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said, “Harvard University should know better. Its name will always be tied to the landmark Supreme Court case that found sweeping racial discrimination in admissions and the campus has been in the spotlight for tolerating egregious antisemitic harassment for years now. OCR will investigate these complaints thoroughly.” McMahon added: “No one – not even Harvard – is above the law. If Harvard continues to stonewall as we try to verify its basic compliance with antidiscrimination statutes, we will vigorously hold them to account to ensure students’ rights are protected.”
The background section notes that in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (2023), the Supreme Court ruled racial preferencing in college admissions illegal under Title VI and under constitutional protections afforded by the Fourteenth Amendment. Regulations require recipients of federal financial assistance like Harvard make available any information pertinent for compliance reviews; failure or refusal may result in legal consequences.
