Latest news with #StarofDavid
San Francisco Chronicle
14-07-2025
- San Francisco Chronicle
Woman arrested for hate crime, allegedly set Novato church on fire
A Santa Clara woman was arrested for allegedly setting a Novato church on fire over the weekend in what authorities said was a hate crime. The fire was first reported on Saturday at 6:30 a.m at North Bay Christ Church on Redwood Boulevard, with witnesses saying that they had seen a woman walking away from the fire, police said. The suspect was identified as 61-year-old Denise Roberts, who authorities said admitted that religious bias motivated her decision to start the fire. As flames reached close to 10 feet in height, multiple structures, including a nativity scene, Star of David and cross were burned, authorities said. Novato fire personnel soon arrived to put out the blaze. Roberts was arrested and booked into the Marin County Jail, authorities said.
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First Post
01-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Trump-Harvard clash threatens settlement talks over ‘violent violation' of Civil Rights Act
A standoff between Harvard University and the Trump administration has intensified as stalled settlement talks and a sweeping civil rights investigation threaten billions in federal funding and the university's academic autonomy read more Negotiations between Harvard University and the Trump administration have stalled derailing what some had hoped would be a quick resolution to a deepening standoff. According to Bloomberg, discussions hit a wall last week, despite earlier optimism voiced by President Donald Trump, who had described the potential terms of a settlement as 'mindbogglingly historic' and praised Harvard for acting 'extremely appropriately' during talks. The breakdown in talks follows an aggressive escalation from the federal government. On June 24, the administration informed Harvard that it had found the university in 'violent violation' of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The conclusion followed a federal investigation into Harvard's handling of complaints from Jewish and Israeli students, according to a letter obtained by The Wall Street Journal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Federal probe accuses Harvard of 'deliberate indifference' A task force established by the Trump administration claimed that Harvard knowingly allowed antisemitic harassment to fester on campus. The report alleged that Jewish and Israeli students were assaulted, spat upon and subjected to pervasive antisemitic imagery, including graffiti replacing the Star of David with a swastika and posters featuring dollar signs inside the Jewish symbol. The investigators further asserted that Harvard had acted with 'deliberate indifference' and in some cases even 'willfully participated' in the climate of hostility. They cited two years of inaction by university leadership, during which affected students reportedly concealed their identities for fear of retaliation, the Wall Street Journal had reported earlier. Harvard rejects allegations, cites proactive measures Harvard has firmly pushed back against the government's findings. In a public response, a university spokesperson stated that the school 'strongly disagrees with the government's conclusions' and that it 'is far from indifferent' to antisemitism. The university highlighted recent initiatives aimed at improving campus climate, such as disciplinary actions against violators, encouragement of civil discourse, and internal reports released in April addressing both antisemitism and anti-Muslim bias, the Harvard Magazine said in an article in May. President Alan Garber also publicly defended Harvard's response to the crisis, suggesting that the administration's demands, such as federal oversight of admissions and hiring, were unacceptable. In an interview with NBC, Garber emphasised that 'the stakes are so high that we have no choice' but to contest the measures through legal means. Federal funding freeze and tax threats deepen crisis In retaliation for Harvard's refusal to comply with sweeping federal demands, the Trump administration has already frozen over $2.6 billion in federal research grants. According to The Economic Times, additional threats include revoking Harvard's tax-exempt status and blocking the university from enrolling foreign students. These sanctions place Harvard's international operations — representing 25 per cent of its student body — in jeopardy, forcing the school to consider remote study options and temporary relocations, such as a partnership with the University of Toronto. The administration has also invoked a Cold War-era statute to suggest that Harvard's enrollment of international students could pose a national security risk, a move that Harvard is aggressively challenging in court, the Harvard Magazine reported. Legal battles escalate as Harvard challenges retaliation Harvard has responded to the sanctions with multiple federal lawsuits, claiming the government's actions constitute unconstitutional retaliation for defending free speech on campus. In a filing, the university's lawyers argued that the funding freeze lacks 'reasoned decision making' and endangers critical research, including projects tied to public health and national security, The Hill said in a report last month. A key court hearing is set for July 21, with Harvard seeking an injunction to unfreeze the halted funds and a summary judgment by September 3 to avoid financial fallout from the grant disruptions. The university's filings have characterised the administration's actions as punitive and politically motivated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Broader implications for academic freedom and oversight The Harvard-Trump clash is not unfolding in isolation. Earlier this year, Columbia University received a similar civil rights violation notice over its alleged failure to protect Jewish students. The Trump administration has made no secret of its intention to scrutinise what it considers liberal bias and lax standards at elite institutions. It has linked the campaign to broader criticisms of DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) programmes and alleged ideological indoctrination on college campuses, a Wall Street Journal report said. The situation has sparked a wider national debate on the limits of federal oversight in academia. Critics argue that the administration's intervention risks undermining academic freedom and the autonomy of private institutions. In contrast, the White House has defended its stance as a necessary enforcement of civil rights protections. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, speaking on CNBC's Squawk Box, emphasised that the administration's actions are not about curbing speech, but about ensuring campus safety. McMahon highlighted that the matter was not a First Amendment issue, but rather a civil rights concern focussed on ensuring that students could learn without fear. A symbolic battle for the future of higher education What began as a dispute over campus climate has ballooned into a symbolic battle over the future of higher education in the United States. Harvard, with its deep financial reserves and global prestige, has become a stand-in for liberal academia writ large. For the Trump administration, Harvard represents a target in its campaign against what it portrays as elite institutions out of step with American values. According to Harvard Magazine, the university's resistance has galvanised both support and criticism. Social media campaigns, editorials and public letters have poured in, reflecting the polarised public opinion on Harvard's stance. While some celebrate the university's defiance, others see it as emblematic of higher education's failure to adequately protect marginalised groups. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Legal showdown and a tentative path forward As the July court date looms, both sides remain entrenched. While Trump has hinted at the possibility of a transformative agreement, the negotiations remain derailed for now. McMahon suggested that the list of federal demands delivered to Harvard was merely 'a point of negotiation' and not a final offer, signalling that dialogue may eventually resume, a report in the Inside Higher Ed said. Nevertheless, the legal path ahead appears uncertain. If Harvard prevails in court, it could reaffirm the constitutional protections for academic institutions. If the administration succeeds, it may set a precedent for sweeping federal intervention into university governance. Either way, the clash between Harvard and the Trump administration is shaping up to be a defining moment for the intersection of civil rights enforcement, academic independence and political influence in American higher education.
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Business Standard
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Harvard 'violated' civil-rights law on Jewish students' safety: Trump admin
The Trump administration has found Harvard University in violation of federal civil-rights law for "failing to protect" Jewish and Israeli students, escalating a battle that could cost the university its federal funding. In a letter sent to Harvard President Alan Garber and viewed by The Wall Street Journal, federal attorneys said the university had acted with 'deliberate indifference' to concerns raised by Jewish and Israeli students who reported feeling unsafe on campus. The letter warned that failure to implement 'adequate changes immediately' would result in the loss of all federal financial support and affect Harvard's relationship with the federal government. 'Harvard may of course continue to operate free of federal privileges,' it stated, 'and perhaps such an opportunity will spur a commitment to excellence that will help Harvard thrive once again.' Harvard denies govt findings While the Ivy League university has not publicly commented on the latest development, a spokesperson told The Wall Street Journal that the university had taken substantive steps to combat antisemitism and foster civil discourse. 'Harvard is far from indifferent on this issue and strongly disagrees with the government's findings,' the spokesperson said. The university, they added, had strengthened policies, enforced disciplinary measures, and promoted respectful dialogue. The letter also detailed reports of assaults, harassment and antisemitic imagery on campus, such as a dollar sign inside a Star of David and a defaced Israeli flag featuring a swastika. It also accused Harvard of failing to take action over a two-year period. Donald Trump vs Ivy League universities In May, the Trump administration issued a similar notice of violation to Columbia University following an investigation into the alleged harassment of Jewish students. Columbia, like Harvard, is now in negotiations with the federal government over its funding and governance. The accusation follows earlier moves by the administration, including freezing $2.3 billion in research funding and demanding federal oversight of admissions, hiring, and campus speech. Harvard rejected those demands and sued, citing violations of free speech and due process. Talks between White House and Harvard stalled Despite the escalating tensions, Trump signalled earlier this month that progress might be possible, posting on social media that Harvard had acted 'extremely appropriately' during negotiations and appeared committed to 'doing what is right'. However, the latest reports indicate that for now, talks between the White House and Harvard have stalled.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'America greatest country on earth, next to Israel': State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce's old clip goes viral
A comment of Tammy Bruce, the spokesperson of the US State Department, resurfaced after the US attacked Iran's nuclear sites -- a move that the majority of the MAGA activists and supporters disapprove of. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In an interview with Israel's i24 News, Tammy Bruce said America is the greatest country on earth, but then added 'next to Israel'. While no one took note of the comment when Bruce made it in the interview, now that the US has joined Israel's war against Iran, the comment surfaced, with MAGA calling for her immediate dismissal from her post. In the interview, she also clarified that she is not a Jew but an Italian. She told Mike Wagenheim that she was "sadly not" Jewish though many people think so. She said that after the 2023 attack by the Palestinian terror group Hamas against Israel, she bought a Star of David necklace to wear on the air to show her affinity with the Jewish people. "The pride of being able to be here (State Department) and do work that facilitates making things better for people, and in the greatest country on Earth," Bruce said adding immediately, "next to Israel!" "And it's an honor to be able to make a difference and to be able to speak in this regard with an administration that I love so much and that I feel genuinely represented by, it's a real honor." "If Tammy Bruce isn't fired immediately for putting America second to Israel, then it can no longer be denied that the United States, under MAGA President Trump, has subordinated its sovereignty completely to Israel," one wrote. "She should be fired on the spot for this. Her allegiance is not to America. WOW," another wrote. "I may be going out on a limb here but I think ALL spokesmen for the State Department, of all departments, should believe America is the greatest country on earth as a prerequisite for their position..." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now a third user added. Tammy Bruce reacted to the outrage and told Newsweek: "My work obviously speaks for itself, which is a reflection of my love for the United States, as I said in that interview, the greatest country on Earth. The assertion by certain anonymous users online is a typically out-of-context and absurd effort to create fake news for clicks and to smear."
Indian Express
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Iran's Khamenei vows ‘retaliation' in first reaction to US strikes, says Israel ‘being punished'
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in his first reaction after the US bombed three key nuclear facilities in Tehran, vowed continued punishment for the 'Zionist enemy', a reference to Israel. 'The Zionist enemy has made a big mistake, committed a big crime; it must be punished and it is being punished; it is being punished right now,' he said. Khamenei also posted an image showing what appeared to be air strikes, with a skull bearing a 'Star of David' — a symbol associated with the Israeli flag and Jewish identity, on its forehead. #همین_حالا مجازات ادامه دارد دشمن صهیونی یک اشتباه بزرگی کرده، یک جنایت بزرگی را مرتکب شده؛ باید مجازات بشود و دارد مجازات میشود؛ همین حالا دارد مجازات میشود.#الله_اکبر — | فارسی 🇮🇷 (@Khamenei_fa) June 23, 2025 His statement came a day after Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel, including the powerful Khorramshahr-4 missile, in direct response to the US airstrikes. According to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), at least 40 missiles were fired following the US action. Earlier on Sunday, Khamenei's aide, Hossein Shariatmadari, issued a stark warning of imminent retaliation and suggested closing off a key global oil route: 'It is now our turn to act without delay. As a first step, we must launch a missile strike on the US naval fleet in Bahrain and simultaneously close the Strait of Hormuz to American, British, German, and French ships,' he told Iranian media. Even if nuclear sites are destroyed, game isn't over, enriched materials,#indigenous_knowledge, #political_will remain. With #legitimate_defense right, political and operational initiative is now with the side that plays smart, avoids blind strikes. Surprises will continue! — علی شمخانی (@alishamkhani_ir) June 22, 2025 Tensions between Iran and Israel have intensified since Israel launched 'Operation Rising Lion' on June 13, targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes on Israeli cities. On Sunday, the US escalated the conflict by joining Israeli military action, striking Iran's nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan in Operation 'Midnight Hammer'. The Fordow site, considered Iran's most fortified facility, was hit with 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs, along with Tomahawk cruise missiles, and coordinated strikes from B-2 stealth bombers, F-22 Raptors, and F-35A fighters. In his first message after the attack, US President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran: 'If they do not [make peace], future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier. If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed, and skill. Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes,' he said.
