Harvard University has reached settlements in two lawsuits alleging anti-Jewish and anti-Israel discrimination, stemming from incidents including a professor equating a "Jewish state" with "White supremacy" and a student being assaulted for showing support for Israel. While the university has agreed to measures like adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism, one student involved, Shabbos Kestenbaum, is pressing forward with his legal action, seeking accountability and discipline for those responsible.

The lawsuits detail several instances of alleged discrimination. One case involved three students at the Kennedy School who were reportedly told their research project on Israeli Liberal Jewish Democracy was "offensive." Another involved a student at the Business School who was allegedly assaulted by a pro-Hamas group on campus. The lawsuits also cite former Harvard President Claudine Gay's controversial testimony before the House Education Committee, where she declined to definitively state whether calls for genocide against Jewish people violated the school's anti-bullying policies.

Kestenbaum, a recent Harvard graduate, expressed satisfaction that some demands were met but emphasized the need for consequences for the alleged mistreatment. He specifically cited an online threat made by a Harvard staff member, Gustavo Espada, who allegedly wrote, "@ShabbosK, watch your back . . . I’m coming for much more than blood—I’m coming for Zionism, and I have a posse[.] . . . We are burying you."

As part of the settlements, Harvard has committed to incorporating the IHRA definition of antisemitism into its policies, hosting an annual symposium on antisemitism, and collaborating with an Israeli university. Former Harvard Hillel Director Andrew Getraer acknowledged the settlement as progress but stressed the ongoing need for vigilance to ensure equality for Jewish and Israeli students. Harvard, in a statement, affirmed its commitment to combating antisemitism and ensuring a welcoming environment for all students.

Cambridge, MA - May 10: Harvard University Police walk near a pro-Palestinian tent encampment on Harvard Yard.  (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Former Harvard President Claudine Gay declined to say that calls for genocide against Jewish people were against the school's rules against bullying.  (Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Shabbos Kestenbaum is continuing with his lawsuit.  (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)