Harvard Medical School Under Investigation by Health and Human Services Amid Commencement Protests: What You Need to Know

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has opened an investigation into Harvard University following pro-Palestine demonstrations by students at Harvard Medical School’s graduation. This inquiry is part of a broader trend of the Trump administration addressing protests linked to political issues.

The investigation was triggered by an article in the New York Post, which highlighted how some medical students wore keffiyehs and stoles featuring the Palestinian flag during graduation events. HHS aims to determine if Harvard adequately protected Jewish students during these protests.

Schools involved in the investigation include Harvard, Columbia, Brown, and Johns Hopkins. HHS described the students’ display as “offensive” and potentially antisemitic.

Harvard Medical School (HMS) has been asked to provide documentation related to the graduation protests from May 2024, including records of staff who witnessed the events. A spokesperson from HMS confirmed that the school is reviewing HHS’s request and is committed to addressing questions regarding the Commencement ceremony.

Concerns about antisemitism and the handling of pro-Palestine speech at Harvard are not new. In April, some students claimed their pro-Palestine messages were censored from a music video celebrating new admissions. In May, a silent protest took place, where graduates expressed support for Palestine by wearing keffiyehs and caps with related messages.

Additionally, a recent lecture and panel involving Gazan patients was canceled at HMS after concerns were raised about its one-sidedness. Critics argued that the event would not include perspectives from Israelis affected by the ongoing conflict.

This investigation is part of a larger initiative outlined by President Trump, which includes creating a task force by the Department of Justice to look into antisemitism at colleges across the nation.

As this situation develops, more updates will follow.

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