The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced on Monday that it is investigating four medical schools for alleged Jew-hatred during their 2024 graduation ceremonies that potentially violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act.
“The reviews come in response to reported incidents of antisemitism and displays of offensive symbols and messaging during the ceremonies, including alleged expressions of support for terrorist organizations,” the department stated. “These reports raise serious concerns about potential violations of civil rights laws that protect students from discrimination based on race, color, and national origin.”
“Every student deserves access to educational opportunities free from discrimination and harassment,” stated Anthony Archeval, acting director of the department’s civil rights office.
“These compliance reviews reflect our commitment to ensuring that institutions receiving federal funding maintain learning environments that are safe and non-discriminatory for all students,” Archeval stated.
The department did not name the four schools but said that one received more than $300 million in federal funding in the 2024 fiscal year. “The review will specifically examine whether the institutions acted with deliberate indifference regarding events that may have impacted Jewish students’ rights to access educational opportunities and benefits,” the department said.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that the institutions under investigation are Harvard Medical School, the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. JNS sought comments from all four schools.
A Harvard Medical School spokesperson told JNS that the school is “reviewing the request from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights and will work to address their questions regarding the 2024 commencement ceremony.”
The school “condemns antisemitism and remains committed to combating all forms of discrimination and harassment,” the spokesperson said. “We will continue to advance our efforts to ensure that all community members feel they belong on our campus and in our classrooms, and are supported in their learning, research and professional work.”
