Harvard blocks 12 seniors from graduation, temporarily suspends others for roles in campus Gaza camp

Harvard has reportedly blocked 12 seniors from graduating and dozens more students received notices to appear in front of the Harvard College Administrative Board in connection with the Gaza camp that lasted nearly three weeks in Harvard Yard. 

On Friday, Harvard suspended five students and put 20 more on academic probation, according to The Harvard Crimson. At least 60 students received notices to appear in front of the Harvard College Administrative Board and another 12 seniors will not be able to participate in the upcoming commencement exercises, all because of their roles in the Gaza encampment.  

Senior and Rhodes Scholar Suhaas Bhat reportedly told students at the start of the Class of 2024 Senior Talent Show “Harvard is not allowing me to graduate this semester for my participation in the encampment.” 

Harvard reinstated 22 students last week who were previously placed on involuntary leave as part of the board’s investigation into the antisemitic encampment. 

Harvard spokesman Jonathan Palumbo told the outlet that the university is “committed to applying all policies in a content-neutral manner and per existing regulations as outlined in college and university guidelines.” 

Harvard has been seen as not taking antisemitism on its campus seriously and has experienced a dramatic dip in applications following the accusations. The university’s last president, Claudine Gay, left the position in response to fallout after a hearing on Capitol Hill when she said it depended on the context of calling for the genocide of Jews for it to be against school policy. Further investigation into Gay produced numerous examples of alleged plagiarism and she eventually resigned from her position.