Harvard University’s Commitment to Combat Antisemitism
Quinn Emanuel Trial Lawyers
April 14, 2025
VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
Josh Gruenbaum
Commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service
General Services Administration
Sean R. Keveney
Acting General Counsel
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Thomas E. Wheeler
Acting General Counsel
U.S. Department of Education
Dear Messrs. Gruenbaum, Keveney, and Wheeler:
KING & SPALDING
We represent Harvard University. We are writing in response to your letter dated April 11,
2025, addressed to Dr. Alan Garber, Harvard’s President, and Penny Pritzker, Senior Fellow of the
Harvard Corporation.
Harvard is committed to fighting antisemitism and other forms of bigotry in its community.
Antisemitism and discrimination of any kind not only are abhorrent and antithetical to Harvard’s
values but also threaten its academic mission.
To that end, Harvard has made, and will continue to make, lasting and robust structural,
policy, and programmatic changes to ensure that the university is a welcoming and supportive
learning environment for all students and continues to abide in all respects with federal law across
its academic programs and operations, while fostering open inquiry in a pluralistic community free
from intimidation and open to challenging orthodoxies, whatever their source.
Over the past 15 months, Harvard has undertaken substantial policy and programmatic
measures. It has made changes to its campus use policies; adopted new accountability procedures;
imposed meaningful discipline for those who violate university policies; enhanced programs
designed to address bias and promote ideological diversity and civil discourse; hired staff to
support these programs and support students; changed partnerships; dedicated resources to combat
hate and bias; and enhanced safety and security measures. As a result, Harvard is in a very different
place today from where it was a year ago. These efforts, and additional measures the university
will be taking against antisemitism, not only are the right thing to do but also are critical to
strengthening Harvard’s community as a place in which everyone can thrive.
It is unfortunate, then, that your letter disregards Harvard’s efforts and instead presents
demands that, in contravention of the First Amendment, invade university freedoms long
In response to recent challenges and demands, Harvard University remains steadfast in its commitment to combat antisemitism and bigotry within its community. The university recognizes the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students while upholding federal laws and promoting open dialogue.
Harvard has implemented significant policy and programmatic changes over the past 15 months to address issues of bias and discrimination. These changes include revising campus policies, enhancing accountability procedures, and providing support for programs that promote diversity and civil discourse. The university has also taken steps to enhance safety and security measures on campus.
Despite these efforts, Harvard continues to face external demands that may infringe upon its academic freedoms. The university remains dedicated to upholding the principles of free speech and open inquiry while actively combatting antisemitism and other forms of discrimination.
Moving forward, Harvard will continue to take proactive measures to ensure a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all members of its community. By remaining committed to these values, Harvard aims to strengthen its community and foster a culture of respect and understanding.
For more information on Harvard University’s ongoing efforts to combat antisemitism and promote diversity, please visit our website or contact our office directly. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
