Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Monday to challenge a freeze on over $2.2 billion in federal grants, alleging the move is retaliatory and an “unlawful” overreach of government authority.
The legal action follows Harvard’s refusal to comply with the administration’s demands to curtail campus activism and implement sweeping reforms.
The controversy began with an April 11th letter from the Trump administration demanding significant changes to Harvard’s governance, admissions policies, diversity initiatives, and student club recognition. Harvard President Alan Garber, in a strongly worded statement, declared the university would not yield to these demands, prompting the immediate funding freeze.
READ: Harvard Under Scrutiny For Alleged Civil Rights Violations, Faces Congressional Investigation
In a letter, Garber outlined the escalating actions taken by the administration, which he says included threats to freeze an additional $1 billion in grants, initiate multiple investigations, jeopardize international student education, and potentially revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status.
“Moments ago, we filed a lawsuit to halt the funding freeze because it is unlawful and beyond the government’s authority,” Garber stated. “The consequences of the government’s overreach will be severe and long-lasting.”
Garber emphasized the detrimental impact of the funding freeze on critical research, including projects aimed at improving cancer treatment, understanding disease spread, and aiding wounded soldiers. He argued that the administration’s actions would “undermine the nation’s ability to save American lives, foster American success, and maintain America’s position as a global leader in innovation.”
The administration cited Harvard’s handling of antisemitism as a justification for its actions. Garber, who is Jewish, acknowledged the seriousness of rising antisemitism and affirmed Harvard’s commitment to combating it. However, he criticized the administration’s approach, stating, “Before taking punitive action, the law requires that the federal government engage with us about the ways we are fighting and will continue to fight antisemitism. Instead, the government’s April 11 demands seek to control whom we hire and what we teach.”
READ: Alan Dershowitz: Harvard Hints At Compromise With Trump Amid Funding Threat
Garber also addressed internal reforms at Harvard, acknowledging “unfinished business” and pledging to enhance free inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and academic exploration. He announced upcoming releases of task force reports on antisemitism and anti-Muslim bias, promising concrete implementation plans.
“We will also soon release the reports of the Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias and the Task Force on Combating Anti-Muslim, Anti-Arab, and Anti-Palestinian Bias. I established these groups last year as part of our efforts to address intolerance in our community. The reports are hard-hitting and painful. They also include recommendations with concrete plans for implementation, which we welcome and embrace. No one in our community should experience bias, intolerance, or bigotry,” Garber stated.
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