In a recent development surrounding the investigation into antisemitism at Harvard University, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce has released a detailed report highlighting internal conflicts within the university's antisemitism advisory group.

The 42-page report, published on Thursday morning, sheds light on a fierce battle between former Harvard President Claudine Gay and the advisory group she established following an attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7. The committee's report unveiled that five out of eight members of the advisory group had threatened to resign en masse within just ten days of its formation.

The report stated that the group's recommendations, if implemented, could have had a significant impact on Harvard's efforts to combat antisemitism. However, according to the committee, the university's leaders failed to follow the guidance provided by their own chosen experts.

Harvard spokesperson Jason A. Newton has criticized the committee's report, claiming it provides an incomplete and inaccurate view of the university's overall efforts to combat antisemitism. Newton expressed disappointment in the release of selective excerpts from internal documents, which he believes do not reflect Harvard's focus, commitment, and attentiveness towards addressing the issue.

The report heavily relies on submissions made by the University to the committee, including the previously undisclosed recommendations from Gay's advisory group, as well as an interview with Dara Horn '99, a member of the group.

While the report primarily focuses on Gay and her response to the advisory group's recommendations, interim University President Alan M. Garber '76 emerged relatively unscathed from the scrutiny. However, frustration was expressed regarding Garber's formation of task forces aimed at combating antisemitism, anti-Muslim biases, and anti-Arab biases.

The report highlights a resignation warning issued by five members of the advisory group on November 5. The members demanded that Gay publicly denounce certain pro-Palestine slogans, prohibit masked protests on campus, and launch a confidential investigation into the Harvard Medical School's dean of students for allegedly not addressing antisemitism at an event.

Facing the threat of collective resignation, Gay and Harvard Corporation Senior Fellow Penny S. Pritzker '81 called for an emergency meeting with the advisory group on November 6 to dissuade them from resigning. During the meeting, Gay emphasized the potential volatility and safety concerns that a mass resignation would cause.

Despite initial tensions, Gay made significant concessions after the emergency meeting. Just three days later, she issued a University-wide email explicitly condemning the use of a specific phrase by pro-Palestine protesters, announced the implementation of antisemitism training, and committed to education for Harvard affiliates.

One of the grievances voiced by the group was the lack of clarity regarding their roles and responsibilities within the advisory group. While Gay acknowledged this oversight during the November 6 meeting, frustrations persisted among the group, who started receiving reports of antisemitic incidents from Jewish students without clear direction from Gay or the administration.

The report also criticized Harvard administrators for allegedly failing to implement the advisory group's recommendations. Harvard's spokesperson, Newton, argued that the university has taken significant action to combat hate and promote civil dialogue and respectful engagement on campus.

Among the advisory group's recommendations were the reassessment of the Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and an investigation into the potential influence of "dark money" from Iran, Qatar, and associated terrorist groups on campus.

The report did not outline Congress's next steps in the investigation of antisemitism at Harvard and other universities. However, it indicated that the committee will continue scrutinizing activities on campuses, including responses by university administrations to unlawful campus encampments.

As Harvard continues to grapple with these internal challenges, the spotlight remains on the university's efforts to combat antisemitism and create a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff.