Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit against the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing it of using political pressure and funding threats to undermine the institution’s independence and violate its constitutional rights.
The lawsuit, filed on Monday in a Massachusetts federal court, marks a dramatic escalation in the standoff between the Ivy League school and the Republican leader, who has openly criticized elite universities for what he describes as tolerance of anti-Semitism and left-leaning bias.
“This case involves the Government’s efforts to use the withholding of federal funding as leverage to gain control of academic decision-making at Harvard,” the complaint states, describing the administration’s actions as “arbitrary and capricious” and a violation of the First Amendment.
The legal action follows Trump’s order to freeze $2.2 billion in federal research grants to Harvard, after the university resisted demands for greater government oversight of its hiring, admissions, and political climate. The lawsuit seeks to have the freeze lifted and the conditions imposed on federal funding declared unlawful, while also demanding that the government cover Harvard’s legal costs.
Trump has previously lashed out at the university, declaring on his Truth Social platform: “Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds.”
The Trump administration has justified the crackdown on universities by citing a rise in campus protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, which it claims are infused with anti-Semitism. Harvard, among other institutions, faced widespread protests last year and responded by disciplining several students—placing 23 on probation and denying degrees to 12, according to organizers.
However, Harvard argues that the funding freeze affects critical research unrelated to the controversy. “Rather than engage with Harvard regarding ongoing reforms to combat anti-Semitism, the Government announced a sweeping freeze of funding for medical, scientific, technological, and other research,” the university’s filing stated.
Harvard President Alan Garber condemned the administration’s actions, saying the university “will not negotiate over its independence or its constitutional rights.” He also revealed that the institution has faced “numerous investigations” from federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, which threatened to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students unless it turned over visa records.
International students currently make up over 27% of Harvard’s student body.
While other universities like Columbia have complied with less extensive federal demands, Harvard has held firm. “Make no mistake: Harvard rejects anti-Semitism and discrimination in all its forms,” the lawsuit emphasized.
As the nation’s oldest and one of its most prestigious educational institutions battles the Trump administration in court, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for the autonomy of U.S. universities and the future of academic freedom.
Comments