Harvard Penalizes Pro-Palestinian Group for Rule Violations
Crackdown on Student Protesters by University
Harvard University has imposed disciplinary measures on the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC), a pro-Palestinian student organization, for breaking campus rules. This decision follows a threat from the Trump administration to withdraw up to $9 billion in federal funding due to the school’s handling of antisemitism.
Probation and Limitations
- The university put the PSC on probation until June 30.
- The group co-organized an April 1 rally with unrecognized student organizations.
- Campus entrances were obstructed, and amplified sound was used during the event.
- The probation prevents the PSC from using campus resources.
“Our dedication to fostering a campus environment where free expression flourishes necessitates that community members adhere to Harvard’s policies and rules, including those related to time, place, and manner restrictions,” a university spokesman said in an email.
Federal Scrutiny of Elite Colleges
Elite colleges have been under intense federal scrutiny for their handling of disruptive student protests after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel and the Jewish state’s retaliatory response in Gaza. The Trump administration accused Harvard of failing to protect students from antisemitism and is reviewing $8.7 billion in grants and $255.6 million in contracts with the university.
Focus on Princeton and Columbia
The government has also targeted Princeton and Columbia. Columbia agreed to a list of administration demands to unlock $400 million in frozen funding, including taking a stronger stance against protesters who wear masks and violate campus rules.
Harvard Yard Protest
The protest in Harvard Yard attracted about 300 people who criticized recent faculty changes and accused the university of complying with “fascism” under the Trump administration, according to a report in the Harvard Crimson, the school newspaper.
PSC’s History of Violations
- The PSC was placed on probation in March 2024 and suspended the following month for violating protest guidelines.
- It was reinstated in September.
- The group disputes its role in sponsoring this week’s protest and claims the university failed to provide a “substantiated basis” for the probation decision.
“Their letter merely states that a rally occurred and some unauthorized organizations co-sponsored it, but it does not mention what role, if any, the PSC played,” the group said in a statement cited by the Crimson.
Harvard’s Financial Flexibility
Harvard announced last month it would freeze faculty and staff hiring to maintain financial flexibility until leaders “better understand how changes in federal policy will take shape and can assess the scale of their impact.” The school is the wealthiest in the US, with a $53 billion endowment, but it relies on federal money for scientific research.
