The conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard University is intensifying, and one of the focuses is “anti-Semitic acts.” The Trump administration seems to think that Harvard University lacks consideration for the safety and mental and physical health of Jewish students, but the truth is not clear.

In general, anti-Semitic acts refer to acts of hostility, hatred, persecution, prejudice, and attempts to exclude Jews and Judaism.

In the wake of Israel’s war in Palestine that began in October 2023, anti-Israel movements have become more active around the world, and it is likely that a similar movement is also taking place at Harvard University. In short, it is a student movement. This may have led to the occurrence of anti-Semitic acts.

Harvard University has also publicly stated that it will strengthen its crackdown on anti-Semitic acts based on international guidelines. If that were the case, it would seem that the Trump administration and Harvard University could reconcile, but the Trump administration is inciting conflict by taking measures such as suspending grants and banning the acceptance of international students.

In this case, it is unclear where the cause of the conflict lies. It is being rumored that the Trump administration is concerned about Harvard University’s ties with China. It is also said that Harvard University has become a hotbed of the Chinese Communist Party’s subversive activities. There is also the view that the Trump administration distrusts Harvard University’s excessive liberalism.
It is not clear what the cause of the conflict is, but it seems to be deep-rooted. If the causes are complex, resolving it will not be easy.
In the future, the raison d’être of not only American universities such as Harvard University, but also universities around the world, including Japan, may change significantly. The importance of pursuing academic studies will likely remain unchanged, but perhaps the authoritarianism and materialism of universities will be corrected.
(Kei Kitajima)

※Translating Japanese articles into English with AI