The U.S. Department of Education has opened an investigation into Harvard University following allegations of antisemitism on its campus. This comes as part of the federal agency's broader efforts to address incidents of antisemitic and Islamophobic behavior in educational institutions.

The investigation was launched on Tuesday in response to a complaint received by the Education Department. The complaint alleges that Harvard failed to address several incidents of harassment targeting Jewish and Israeli students, according to a letter obtained by The Boston Globe.

While the Office for Civil Rights confirmed the investigation, it refrained from commenting on any specifics related to ongoing investigations. Harvard University has not yet issued a response regarding the investigation.

In a letter to the community on November 9, Harvard President Claudine Gay acknowledged the presence of antisemitism on campus and highlighted the formation of an Antisemitism Advisory Group to tackle the issue. The group aims to examine how antisemitism manifests within the Harvard community and devise a comprehensive plan to address this form of prejudice. Implementing training programs, increasing education around antisemitism and Jewish history, and ensuring the protection of all members of the community are key priorities in the university's efforts to combat antisemitism.

This investigation comes against the backdrop of several incidents reported at U.S. schools following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. One such incident led to federal charges against a Cornell University student named Patrick Dai. Dai allegedly made violent threats against Jewish students through an online forum, specifically targeting the school's Center for Jewish Living.

Other educational institutions have also faced challenges related to antisemitism. The University of Pennsylvania reported that some staff members received disturbing antisemitic emails threatening violence against members of the Jewish community. The FBI was alerted in response to these offensive messages.

In addition to the investigation into antisemitism, Harvard and other universities have been scrutinized for their handling of student protests on campus. Harvard President Claudine Gay, along with counterparts from the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, have been called upon to testify before a congressional committee on their management of these protests. The Committee on Education and the Workforce, led by Chairwoman Rep. Virginia Foxx, intends to hold college administrators accountable for fostering a safe and inclusive environment.

Rep. Foxx emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that college administrators should not tolerate hateful rhetoric and must take decisive action against antisemitism. The upcoming congressional hearing aims to shed light on campus leaders' responsibilities in dealing with this issue.

The U.S. Department of Education's investigation into Harvard University underscores the ongoing efforts to combat antisemitism within educational institutions. By addressing these concerns head-on, authorities strive to create a safe environment that upholds the principles of inclusivity and respect for all members of the academic community.