Harvard President Apologizes Amid Reports of Anti-Muslim Prejudice, Faces Federal Pressure on Admissions

Harvard University President Alan Garber has issued an apology following the release of internal reports revealing widespread anti-Muslim prejudice on campus, BBC reported. The reports, which emerged after pro-Palestinian protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict last year, include testimonies from students who felt alienated and pressured to hide their identities from peers and faculty.

In his statement, Dr. Garber acknowledged that the events of October 7, 2023, including the Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent Israeli military actions in Gaza, intensified existing campus tensions. He emphasized that Harvard will not tolerate bigotry and pledged to take concrete steps to address these issues.

The university plans to review its admissions processes to ensure applicants are assessed on their ability to engage constructively with diverse perspectives, demonstrate empathy, and participate in civil discourse. This review is part of broader commitments to combat bias and improve campus climate.

However, Harvard’s proposed actions fall short of the White House’s demands to eliminate all preferences based on race, color, or national origin and to adopt strict merit-based admissions policies by August. The Trump administration has threatened to ban Harvard from enrolling foreign students and revoke its tax-exempt status if it does not comply.

In response, Harvard has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that the administration’s measures violate constitutional rights and improperly use federal funding to influence academic decisions.