June 9, 2025
On June 9, the Civil Litigation attorneys in MLFA’s legal division filed an amicus, or “friend of the court” brief, supporting Harvard’s fight against the Administration’s threats and demands that it submit to anti-DEI policing and limit its teachings to what the Administration approves.
But we don’t support Harvard blindly. We made sure in our brief to tell the Court what Harvard left out: that it owes its students the changes it promised in January that it would make to its policies (not just its guidelines) to specifically protect its Palestinian, Arab, Muslim and allied students as well as its Jewish and Israeli students.
Our attorneys filed a complaint with the Department of Education’s Office for CIvil Rights last year on behalf of more than a dozen students, who were targeted on campus for their beliefs, their clothing and in some cases just because of how they look. And the federal agency found that Harvard failed: it failed its Palestinian and Muslim students, and it failed its Jewish and Israeli students. Those failures violate federal statutes that remain in place today. Harvard agreed earlier this year to make changes. And we plan to hold it to its word.
Hey Harvard, you do plan to keep your word and protect all students, equally and under the law, right?
“We fully support Harvard’s fight against this government overreach that violates its students’ privacy rights and its own rights to academic freedom. But Harvard forgot to tell the Court that it has some homework of its own to do–like following through on promises it made in January, to treat its Palestinian, Arab, Muslim and allied students as well as its Jewish and Israeli students far better than it has been. Harvard promised–in writing–to change its policies and procedures and better protect students of all backgrounds; we look forward to seeing it keep its word.” Christina Jump, Civil Litigation Department Head
“We’re glad the Court saw value in our amicus brief filed in Harvard v. DHHS, et al today. While we vehemently oppose the Administration’s actions against Harvard, we saw a need to correct the record on behalf of our clients. If Harvard won’t advocate for its Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, and allied students, we will.” Chelsea Glover, Civil Litigation Senior Staff Attorney
“The university’s core responsibility to safeguard the rights and well-being of all students—regardless of religion or national origin—cannot be compromised by government overreach based on unfounded claims.” Jinan Chehade, Civil Litigation Junio Staff Attorney
Read our Amicus Brief Below
Doc. 168 – Our Amicus Brief Supporting Harvard’s Fight Against the Administration
