MAYOR MAMDANI APPOINTS THREE RENOWNED PUBLIC SERVANTS TO QUADRENNIAL ADVISORY COMMISSION

Independent commission will review compensation for New York City elected officials    

Carl Weisbrod to serve as Commission Chair, joined by Dr. Lilliam Barrios-Paoli and Larian Angelo   

TODAY, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced the appointment of three experienced public servants to the Quadrennial Advisory Commission, which will review compensation levels for New York City elected officials.   

  

This independent commission will be chaired by Carl Weisbrod, former Commissioner of the Department of City Planning Commissioner and Founding President of the Economic Development Corporation. He will be joined by Dr. Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, Former Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services, as well as Larian Angelo, former First Deputy Director at the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget and New York City Council Finance Director. Together, Weisbrod, Barrios-Paoli and Angelo bring decades of experience in City government and public sector leadership.  

  

The Commission will conduct an independent, comprehensive review of compensation for elected officials and issue recommendations to the Mayor within 120 days of its appointment, in accordance with the City’s Administrative Code. The review will cover salaries for City Council Members, citywide elected officials, Borough Presidents and District Attorneys. Any proposed changes must be approved by the City Council.  

  

“The Quadrennial Commission is tasked with the important work of reviewing compensation for elected officials and ensuring that New Yorkers’ hard-earned tax dollars are spent responsibly. Carl, Lilliam and Larian have each spent their careers serving this city with integrity. I am confident they will approach this responsibility with the seriousness and independence it demands, and I look forward to carefully reviewing their recommendations,” said Mayor Mamdani.  

  

“The Quadrennial Commission plays an essential role in ensuring that any compensation decisions are made independently and transparently,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “I’m encouraged by the Mayor’s appointment of Carl Weisbrod, Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, and Larian Angelo, who each bring significant experience and credibility to this process.”  

  

“I am honored by Mayor Mamdani’s appointment and proud to serve as Chair of this Commission. Public trust in government depends on accountability, and we will work to ensure compensation levels are fair, transparent and aligned with public interest,” said Chair Weisbrod.   

  

Under the City Charter, a Quadrennial Commission must be convened every four years, during the third year of a mayoral administration, to review compensation for public officials. No such commission has been convened since 2015.   

  

Quadrennial Commissioners Bios  

  

Carl Weisbrod, Chair:  

Carl Weisbrod has led numerous public initiatives focused on revitalizing New York City neighborhoods. Beginning in the 1970s, he led the successful New York State and New York City efforts to revitalize Times Square. From 1990 to 1994, he served as the founding president of the New York City Economic Development Corporation. From 2014 to 2017, he was Chair of the New York City Planning Commission and Director of the Department of City Planning.  

  

He is currently a Senior Advisor at HR&A Advisors. He has served as a Director of the Trust for Governors Island since 2012 and as a Trustee of New York Public Radio since 2017. His past roles include Trustee of the Ford Foundation and the Urban Land Institute, and Chair of the New York State Health Foundation. Weisbrod holds degrees from Cornell University and New York University School of Law.  

  

Dr. Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, Commissioner:   

Dr. Lilliam Barrios-Paoli has held senior leadership roles in New York City government and the nonprofit sector for decades. She chaired the board of New York City Health + Hospitals and served as Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services. Her work in City government includes serving as Commissioner of the Department for the Aging, Department of Employment, Department of Personnel (now DCAS), Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and the Human Resources Administration.   

  

In the nonprofit sector, she was President and CEO of Safe Space NYC and Senior Vice President and Chief Executive for Agency Services at the United Way of New York City, where she was instrumental in establishing the September 11th Fund. She also served as Executive Director of Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx. Dr. Barrios-Paoli holds a degree from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City as well as a Masters and Ph.D. from the New School for Social Research.   

  

Larian Angelo, Commissioner:   

Larian Angelo is an economist with nearly 30 years of public service experience. She served in the New York City Office of Management and Budget under two administrations, including as Deputy Director for Education and Intergovernmental Relations under Mayor Bloomberg and as First Deputy Director under Mayor de Blasio. She also worked for the New York City Council as Chief Economist under Speaker Peter Vallone and later as Finance Director for Speaker Gifford Miller.  

  

Angelo served as Vice President at CUNY’s Guttman Community College and as a Senior Fellow at the CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance. She has taught public finance at the Milano School of Public Policy and has served on multiple public bodies, including the Mayor’s Charter Revision Commission, the New York City Audit Committee, the COVID-19 Fiscal Impact Task Force for Suffolk County and the New York City Panel for Education Policy. 

  

Earlier in her career, Larian was research director for the United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers of America. She holds a Ph.D. from the New School for Social Research.  

NASHVILLE NIGHTMARE: ICE Arrests Convicted Domestic Abuser Whose Daughter Feared He Would Kill Her Mother

 

ICE nabbed Luis Meza-Olivera following a school official tipping off ICE after his daughter expressed fear he would “kill” her mother when he was released from local custody in Tennessee

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released the below statement on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) March 14 arrest of Luis Meza-Olivera, a criminal alien from Peru, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Meza-Olivera has an extensive criminal history with convictions across multiple states, including aggravated kidnapping, arson, and aggravated assault in Tennessee, and driving under the influence in California. He was also charged with attempted first-degree murder and vandalism in Tennessee and willful cruelty to a child in California.

ICE became aware of his release by a tip from a school official who warned officers that Meza-Olivera's daughter told school officials her father was being released and she feared that he would kill her mother.

Meza-Olivera

According to court documents, Meza-Olivera locked a woman in a bathroom and lit a fire outside of it while she was unable to open the door to escape in 2011. In 2015, Washington County Sheriff’s office rescued the woman after she was found locked in a bedroom, “hogtied,” and with a rope tied around her neck. According to court documents, her five-year-old son called 9-1-1 to report the incident.

“Luis Meza-Olivera is a monster whose daughter feared he would kill her mother. This criminal alien from Peru should NOT be loose on American streets,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “Thanks to a school official who left a tip for ICE, this individual is now in ICE custody and will enter removal proceedings. Americans can report tips to our brave law enforcement to help keep their communities safe when sanctuary politicians won’t by contacting our ICE Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423).”

Meza-Olivera entered the U.S. in 2002 on a B-2 tourist visa. In 2010, he adjusted his status to that of a lawful permanent resident. His convictions make him eligible for removal from the U.S.  He will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

Anonymous tips may be reported on this form and via the toll-free ICE tip line, (866) 347-2423.

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Two Members of 18th Street Gang Convicted of Murder in-Aid-Of Racketeering and Other Gang Related Crimes

Defendants on a Motorbike Fatally Shot Victim as He Rode in the Back of a Taxi

Today a federal jury in Brooklyn returned a guilty verdict against Herberth Rodríguez, also known as “Kepa,” and Elias Martínez Villanueva, also known as “Rebelde,” both members of the transnational street gang 18th Street, on all counts of a fourth superseding indictment charging them with murder in-aid-of racketeering and related firearms offenses for their participation in the November 1, 2020 murder of Diego Vanegas Vásquez.  Rodriguez was additionally convicted of racketeering and the attempted murder of Juan Valdéz in-aid-of racketeering, as well as narcotics trafficking and unlawful possession of ammunition.  Martinez Villanueva was additionally convicted of illegally re-entering the United States.  The verdict followed a three-week trial before United States District Judge William F. Kuntz II.  When sentenced, both defendants face a mandatory term of life imprisonment.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department, announced the verdict.

“In committing the murder of Diego Vanegas Vásquez and other acts of brazen gang violence, the defendants terrorized a community in and around Roosevelt Avenue in Queens that they claimed was their territory,” stated U.S. Attorney Nocella.  “Today’s verdict proves how wrong and misguided they are.  It is the rule of law that controls and protects our communities. Our Office, together with our law enforcement partners, remains focused on dismantling violent gangs like 18th Street.  I can state with confidence that the neighborhoods of Jackson Heights and Corona are safer with these defendants effectively removed from society and no longer free to perpetrate crimes.”   

Mr. Nocella also thanked United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General for their assistance.

“Herberth Rodriguez and Elias Villanueva – members of a notorious foreign terrorist organization (FTO), the 18th Street gang – committed a senseless murder out of retaliation and terrorized the community with brazen public gun fights,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.  “Alongside our law enforcement partners, the FBI continues to eradicate the violence plaguing our streets and threatening the lives of innocent bystanders by attacking these FTOs head-on.”

“These convictions send a clear message: The NYPD will stop at nothing to identify, dismantle, and hold accountable street gangs that terrorize our communities with senseless gun violence,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch.  “For too long, the 18th Street crew turned neighborhoods in Queens into their own deadly battleground against rivals, placing innocent New Yorkers at risk. But thanks to a thorough investigation led by NYPD detectives and a strong prosecution, our streets are now safer. I thank our partners at the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their support in taking down this ruthless organization and bringing its members to justice.”

As proved at trial, the defendants were members of 18th Street, a violent gang that engaged in murder, robbery, extortion, production of fraudulent identification documents, and narcotics trafficking.  As a member of 18th Street, Rodriguez sold large quantities of cocaine, the proceeds of which the gang used to purchase firearms and support incarcerated gang members.  The evidence also showed that 18th Street sold cocaine and marijuana, peddled fake IDs, such as fake Social Security cards and fake green cards, and extorted brothel owners by requiring them to pay money to the gang for the gang's permission to run their brothels.

Murder of Diego Vanegas Vásquez

In the early morning hours of November 1, 2020, the defendants shot and killed Vanegas Vásquez who they believed was a member of the rival MS-13 gang, in Jackson Heights, Queens.  On the night of the murder, Vanegas Vásquez was a passenger in the back of a taxi. The defendants, riding on a motorbike, pulled alongside the taxi at a red light.  Rodríguez fired approximately six shots at Vásquez, killing him.  After the murder, Rodríguez bragged about killing Vásquez to other members of 18th Street in text messages.

Attempted Murder of Juan Valdéz

On October 10, 2020, Rodríguez set out to kill Juan Valdéz, who he believed had disrespected 18th Street.  Earlier that day, Valdéz had a physical altercation with an 18th Street member in the vicinity of Roosevelt Avenue and 83rd Street.  After the fight, Valdéz got into his car and attempted to leave the area.  An 18th Street associate who saw the fight then signaled to members of the gang in the area to respond.  After hearing the signal, Rodríguez grabbed a gun that the gang kept hidden beneath a flower stand outside of a bodega on 83rd Street and ran towards the vicinity of the fight.  Rodríguez opened fire on Valdéz’s vehicle, but missed Valdéz as he drove away.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andy Palacio, Megan Larkin, Lauren Bowman, and Brachah Goykadosh are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Wesley Roberts.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

 

Five More Plead Guilty in Minnesota Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme

 

This week, Ikram Yusuf Mohamed, Aisha Hassan Hussein, Sahra Sharif Osman, Shakur Abdinur Abdisalam, and Fadumo Mohamed Yusuf all pleaded guilty to wire fraud for their respective roles in the sprawling Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. Prosecutors have now obtained 63 convictions scheme-wide, representing the largest number of convictions in a single fraud investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in recent memory.

The Trump Administration has made fighting fraud a top priority, just this week establishing the President’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a multiagency effort dedicated to protecting benefits meant for American citizens in need. The Justice Department is committed to rooting out fraud in federal programs for the benefit of the American people.

“I am proud of our team of prosecutors, federal agents, and law enforcement partners who continue to expose the rampant fraud in Minnesota,” said U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.

All five defendants were charged in United States v. Mohamed et al., 24-cr-15 (NEB/DTS).  This group, which included multiple family members and friends of defendant Ikram Mohamed, purported to run food program sites in Minneapolis and its suburbs, as well as food distribution entity.  The group worked together to steal and then launder $14.6 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program money that was meant to feed hungry children during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mohamed and Abdisalam pled guilty on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, and Hussein, Osman, and Yusuf pled guilty today, March 20, 2026, all in U.S. District Court before Judge Nancy E. Brasel.  The defendants had been set to proceed to trial before Judge Brasel on April 20, 2026.  One defendant now remains in that trial, with the other remaining defendant set for a change of plea hearing next week.

Ikram Yusuf Mohamed, 42, was a leader in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme through her role as a consultant to Feeding Our Future. Mohamed opened several food sites that were enrolled in and received over $6.9 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. To conceal her involvement, she put the sites and entities in the name of family members, including her husband, mother, and siblings. Mohamed also created a food distribution company with her brother called Star Distribution LLC, which went on to create fraudulent invoices for the family-controlled sites that indicated it had sold inflated volumes of food to the sites that had in fact been purchased or delivered. At Mohamed’s advice, other program sites sponsored by Feeding Our Future used Star Distribution, causing it to receive $1.4 million for fraudulent invoices. Star Distribution also received $4.9 million directly from Feeding Our Future for the meals allegedly served at the family-controlled sites.  Additionally, Mohamed solicited and received over $1.3 million in kickbacks from individuals and companies involved in the food program through her company, IM Consultation.  Mohamed pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Shakur Abdinur Abdisalam, 46, Ikram Mohamed’s husband, participated in the scheme to defraud the Federal Child Nutrition Program with his wife and other family conspirators through a company called Inspiring Youth & Outreach LLC (Inspiring Youth). Inspiring Youth purported to run a food site in Minneapolis. Between February and November 2021, the company fraudulently claimed to have served more than 1 million meals. He and his conspirators also supported their program reimbursement claims with phony attendance rosters purporting to document the children they fed. Those rosters listed made-up children with fake ages. Based on these fraudulent claims, Inspiring Youth received more than $1.5 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. As part of the scheme, Abdisalam also paid a $21,000 kickback to his wife’s entity, IM Consultation. Abdisalam pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Aisha Hassan Hussein, 29, Ikram Mohamed’s sister, participated in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme as the principal of United Youth of MPLS LLC (United Youth). Hussein enrolled her company in the Federal Child Nutrition Program under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future and purported to operate two sites in Minneapolis. From December 2020 through November 2021, Hussein and her co-conspirators falsely claimed to have served more than 1.3 million meals to children at the United Youth sites, totaling approximately $2.2 million in fraudulent Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. As part of the scheme, Hussein also paid a $166,000 kickback to her sister’s company IM Consultation. Hussein pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Sahra Sharif Osman, 43, participated in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme as the principal of a non-profit called Youth International Club LLC (Youth International). Youth International operated two Federal Child Nutrition Program sites under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. The Youth International food sites were in Hopkins and Edina and purported to serve meals out of community rooms in townhome complexes. Between March and November 2021, Youth International fraudulently claimed to have served nearly 700,000 meals and received more than $1.4 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. As part of the scheme, Osman also paid a $7,500 kickback to Ikram Mohamed’s IM Consultation. Osman pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Fadumo Mohamed Yusuf, 59, Ikram Mohamed’s mother, participated in the scheme through Active Mind’s Youth LLC (Active Minds), another company that enrolled in the Federal Child Nutrition Program under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. Active Minds purported to operate a food site located on East Lake Street in Minneapolis. Between February and June 2021, Active Minds fraudulently claimed to have served more than 500,000 meals and received more than $1 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. As part of the scheme, Yusuf also paid a $38,500 kickback to her daughter’s company, IM Consultation. Yusuf pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Sentencing hearings for all five defendants will be scheduled at a later date.

These cases result from an investigation conducted by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Bronx Man Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison For Enticement Of Minors And Possession Of Child Pornography

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that WINSTON COLON CORREA was sentenced to 25 years in prison for enticing minors and possessing child pornography.  COLON CORREA’s sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Rearden, who also presided over the guilty plea. 

“Winston Colon Correa preyed on children by pressuring them to record and send videos of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “On at least two occasions, he even met with one of his child victims and pressured her to have sex, which Colon Correa recorded.  New Yorkers want those who engage in such heinous conduct off our streets.  This Office, and our law enforcement partners, will pursue every lead and use every tool to rid our communities of those who sexually exploit our children.  The message to predators from our Office is clear: there is no place for you in New York other than prison.” 

According to the allegations in the Information, public filings, and statements made in public court proceedings:

Beginning in at least 2022, COLON CORREA engaged in sexually explicit text message conversations with numerous minor girls he met online, during which he induced the production of child pornography of at least Minor Victim-1, Minor Victim-2, Minor Victim-3, and Minor Victim-4.  Law enforcement’s review of COLON CORREA’s electronic devices revealed that for multiple years, he engaged in sexually explicit text message conversations with many other unidentified individuals believed to also be minor girls.  COLON CORREA committed these crimes despite knowing that he was communicating with minors.  In fact, many of the minors made clear to COLON CORREA that they were underage—e.g., that they were in school, that they lived at home with their parents, and in multiple cases, their actual ages. On at least two occasions, COLON CORREA falsely represented to minor girls that he was only 17 years old. In addition, COLON CORREA met in person on at least two occasions with one identified victim, Minor Victim-4, during which COLON CORREA pressured Minor Victim-4 to perform oral sex and have sexual intercourse. Thereafter, when he was confronted by law enforcement, COLON CORREA falsely claimed that he had ceased contact with Minor Victim-4 after learning that she was a minor.  In reality, COLON CORREA had exchanged sexually explicit messages with Minor Victim-4, and attempted to make plans to meet her again, just one day earlier.

Anyone who believes they have information concerning the exploitation of children is urged to contact the FBI at 1-212-384-1000 or https://tips.fbi.gov/.

In addition to the prison term, COLON CORREA, 34, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 20 years of supervised release.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in connection with this investigation.

Statement from NYC Comptroller Levine on Fitch Ratings and Kroll Bond Rating Agency Revising the City’s Outlook to Negative

 

New York City Comptroller Mark Levine released the following statement in response to Fitch Ratings and Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) revising the City’s outlook from stable to negative.

“A negative outlook from a credit rating agency is not a downgrade—but it is a warning. With today’s revisions from Fitch and Kroll now 3 of our 4 ratings agencies are sending us a similar message: New York City needs to address the underlying structural imbalances in our budget.

“Thankfully, New York City’s economy remains strong, tax revenues are solid, and our bonds continue to be safe, secure, and in demand.

“But the ratings agencies have made clear that we need to put forward a sustainable financial plan for the years ahead—one that addresses our structural imbalance, without relying on rainy-day reserves to close the budget gaps.

“As I’ve said before, we must build a budget grounded in realistic revenue projections, while identifying savings, ensuring spending growth is sustainable, securing fair funding from Albany, and strengthening our reserves in anticipation of potential economic risks ahead.

“Achieving those goals will not be easy, but I am confident our city is up to the task. Our economy gives us many strengths to build on. I look forward to working with Mayor Mamdani and partners across City and State government to deliver a strong, sustainable fiscal plan for the years ahead.” 

DiNAPOLI AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY DA PEARSON: FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FULTON-MONTGOMERY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ARRESTED FOR EMBEZZLING OVER $440K

 

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Montgomery County District Attorney Christina Pearson, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced the arrest of MaryBeth Shults, the former Executive Director of the Fulton-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, for allegedly stealing $440,351 from the Chamber.

“Instead of helping small businesses grow and thrive in her community, Shults allegedly helped herself to $440,351 to fund her lifestyle,” DiNapoli said. “My thanks to Montgomery County DA Pearson and State Police Superintendent James for their partnership in rooting out the misuse of public funds.”

“The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office takes matters of public trust and misuse of public funding very seriously,” said Montgomery County District Attorney Christina Pearson. “We thank the  New York State Comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli and his professional staff members and the members of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation for their diligence in conducting this investigation, which led to the arrest of MaryBeth Shults for three felony level charges.”

“Cases like this represent a serious breach of trust and undermine the integrity of organizations that serve and support local communities,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “The New York State Police will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of financial crimes and hold individuals accountable when they exploit positions of authority for personal gain.”

Shults’ actions first came to light when she attempted to purchase a $160,000 home with Chamber of Commerce funds, prompting the launch of a joint investigation by State Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office, the New York State Police and the Montgomery County District Attorney. 

DiNapoli’s forensic examination of the Chamber’s accounts discovered that, in addition to the attempted home purchase, Shults embezzled over $440,000 in Chamber funds starting almost immediately upon appointment as the Chamber’s Executive Director in June of 2025.  As Executive Director, Shults had access to the Fulton-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce bank accounts. She allegedly used her access to write checks to herself, made unauthorized cash withdrawals, and pay for high priced items including a $57,000 down payment on a pick-up truck. She also spent $220,000 on personal farm equipment, a snowmobile, and furniture.

Shults was terminated in early March of this year when her alleged crimes came to light. 

The Fulton-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce receives funding from Montgomery County, Fulton County, other local municipalities, and state grants.

She was charged with Grand Larceny second degree, Possession of a Forged Instrument first degree, and Falsifying Business Records first degree. Shults was arraigned before Judge Wayne Moratta in the Town of Amsterdam Town Court and is scheduled to appear back in court on May 5.

The charges filed in this case are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Justice Department Sues Harvard University for Antisemitism

 

Today, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division filed a lawsuit against Harvard University for race and national origin discrimination against Jewish and Israeli students, in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

After Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023, Harvard has tolerated antisemitic mobs of students, faculty, and visitors allegedly expressing their opposition to Israel by assaulting, harassing, and intimidating Jewish and Israeli students with perceived racial, ethnic, and national connections to Israel. Harvard has been deliberately indifferent to its Jewish and Israeli students’ plight and failed to prevent such conduct by selectively enforcing its campus rules to permit it to continue. Harvard ignored what its own Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias deemed the “exclusion of Israeli or Zionist students from social spaces and extracurricular activities.” Harvard failed to meaningfully discipline the mobs that occupied its buildings and terrorized its Jewish and Israeli students. Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in schools that accept federal funding.

“Since October 7th, 2023, too many of our educational institutions have allowed anti-Semitism to flourish on campus – Harvard included,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Today’s litigation underscores the Trump Administration’s commitment to demanding better from our nation’s schools and putting an end to discriminatory behavior that harms students.”

“Every student deserves to learn without fear of harassment or exclusion,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “When institutions take taxpayer dollars, they accept a duty to protect civil rights. We hold Harvard accountable on the principle that antisemitism has no place in any program funded by the American people.”

“This Department of Justice will not tolerate the harassment, assault, or intimidation of Jewish and Israeli students, and neither should Harvard,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This Justice Department has no tolerance for such brazen violations of federal law.”  

“When OCR notified Harvard of the Title VI violation, we recognized Harvard’s public commitment to address antisemitism, but found its proposed reforms did not meet Title VI requirements,” said Paula M. Stannard, Director of the Department of Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR). “OCR required concrete action, not assurances. We commend the U.S. Department of Justice for pursuing this case.”

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, alleges that Harvard has failed to protect its Jewish and Israeli students in two ways. First, Harvard has continued to be deliberately indifferent to a level of hostility on its campus so well-known across the nation that members of Congress were writing about it. Second, Harvard has refused to enforce its campus rules against students who harass their Jewish and Israeli peers.

Harvard is currently set to receive more than $2.6 billion of taxpayer money under active grants from the Department of Health and Human Services, to say nothing of other federal agencies. The United States’ complaint seeks to compel Harvard to comply with Title VI, and to recover the taxpayer funds that Harvard accepted while in violation of Title VI.

This case is brought by the Educational Opportunities Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.