WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has escalated enforcement actions against Harvard University, referring the institution to the HHS office that oversees suspension and debarment decisions. The move could ultimately bar Harvard from receiving certain federal funds or contracts.
The referral follows OCR’s June 30, 2025, Notice of Violation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which concluded that Harvard acted with “deliberate indifference” toward discrimination and harassment of Jewish and Israeli students on campus since October 7, 2023. On July 30, OCR also referred the matter to the U.S. Department of Justice for further enforcement.
“OCR’s referral of Harvard for formal administrative proceedings reflects OCR’s commitment to safeguard both taxpayer investments and the broader public interest,” said Paula M. Stannard, OCR Director. She noted that federal agencies are empowered to enforce compliance through measures that can include termination of funding or denial of future financial assistance when voluntary compliance cannot be achieved.
Harvard has 20 days to decide whether it will contest the findings in a formal administrative hearing before an HHS judge.
Beyond the Title VI proceedings, OCR has referred Harvard to the HHS Suspension and Debarment Program, which can exclude entities from doing business with the federal government. Suspension is temporary while debarment is a final determination lasting a specified period, with both carrying government-wide implications.
The latest action does not affect OCR’s ongoing investigation into alleged race-based discrimination within the operations of the Harvard Law Review.
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