Republican-led Committee Takes Unprecedented Action
In a historical move, the House Education and the Workforce Committee has issued a subpoena to Harvard University for obstructing its ongoing investigation into antisemitism. This marks the first time in the committee’s over 150-year history that it has subpoenaed a university, according to a spokesperson.
Key Figures Summoned
The committee has directed subpoenas towards Harvard Corporation Senior Fellow Penny Pritzker, Interim President Dr. Alan Garber, and Harvard Management Company’s Chief Executive Officer N.P. Narvekar. The move comes after the university failed to produce “priority documents” related to the probe, which was initiated following concerning testimonies from the presidents of three prominent universities during a December hearing.
New Deadline for Submission
Harvard has been given a new deadline of March 4 at 5:00 p.m. to submit crucial materials pertaining to all antisemitic acts or incidents since January 1, 2021, as specified in the subpoena. The committee has expressed the need for comprehensive documentation that enables a thorough investigation into the university’s handling of alleged antisemitism.
Committee Chairwoman’s Strong Words
Education Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx stated, “Harvard’s continued failure to satisfy the Committee’s requests is unacceptable. I will not tolerate delay and defiance of our investigation while Harvard’s Jewish students continue to endure the firestorm of antisemitism that has engulfed its campus.”
University’s Response
In response, a Harvard spokesperson emphasized that “Antisemitism has no place in the Harvard community.” They called the issuance of subpoenas “unfortunate,” highlighting the university’s “fulsome” responses across ten submissions that directly address the committee’s inquiries.
Disappointment with Harvard
However, Foxx expressed extreme disappointment with Harvard, revealing that nearly half of the documents submitted by the university have already been publicized. The committee is specifically requesting all communications regarding the alleged harassment of a Jewish student at a “die-in” protest, pro-Palestinian protests, and an event titled “Israel Apartheid Week.”
Resignations and Further Investigations
Following the December 5, 2023 hearing, Penn’s Liz Magill became the first university president to resign. The committee is investigating Penn for a pattern of “deeply troubling” incidents of antisemitic vandalism and harassment. Claudine Gay, Harvard’s president, also resigned amidst mounting pressure after her testimony. Meanwhile, Massachusetts Institute of Technology has affirmed its support for President Sally Kornbluth, and the committee is currently examining the school’s policies and disciplinary measures.
Expanded Investigation
In addition to Harvard, the committee has recently launched an antisemitism investigation into Columbia University and its affiliate all-women’s school, Barnard College. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has also initiated investigations into Harvard and Columbia.
ABC News has reached out to Harvard University for further comments.