Harvard University has initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that the suspension of billions of dollars in federal grants is illegal.
The university’s president, Alan M. Garber, informed the community through a Monday letter that the suspension of $2 billion in funding would significantly obstruct essential research into diseases.
Last week, Harvard declined a series of proposals from the Trump administration intended to limit diversity programs and combat anti-Semitism at the institution.
The White House responded to the lawsuit by stating that the end of the “gravy train of federal assistance” is imminent.
Other prestigious universities have faced similar funding cuts, and a newly formed government task force on anti-Semitism is scrutinizing at least 60 universities.
President Donald Trump has criticized these universities for not adequately protecting Jewish students during the campus protests last year against the Gaza war and the U.S.’s backing of Israel.
In his letter, Mr. Garber stated, “The consequences of the government’s overreach will be severe and long-lasting.”
“In recent weeks, the federal government has launched a broad attack on the critical funding partnerships that make this invaluable research possible,” the school’s lawsuit states.
Harvard argues that the withholding of federal funds infringes on its constitutional rights and is a tactic to influence academic decision-making at the university.
The Trump administration has hinted that an additional $1 billion in federal funding might be suspended. Harvard’s annual revenue from federal sources is approximately $9 billion, primarily allocated to research.
Challenges to Harvard’s tax-exempt status and its capacity to admit international students are also potentially at risk.
Mr. Garber, who is Jewish, acknowledged issues with anti-Semitism on the Massachusetts campus but noted the formation of task forces to address these concerns.
He announced that the university would soon publish reports from two task forces investigating anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim bias.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has also targeted other Ivy League schools, including suspending $1 billion in funds to Cornell University and $510 million to Brown University, which significantly support scientific innovation.
Institutions like Columbia University, a hotspot for pro-Palestinian protests last year, have conceded to some government demands following a threat to withhold $400 million in federal funds.
The government’s conditions for Harvard included accepting externally approved audits of its curriculum and reviews of hiring and admissions practices.
In retaliation, Harvard issued a forceful letter condemning what it described as a governmental “takeover.”
Former President Barack Obama, an alumnus of Harvard, has expressed his support for the university, calling the funding freeze unlawful.
On Monday night, the White House reiterated in a statement that the era of providing federal aid to institutions like Harvard, which allegedly use taxpayer money to overcompensate their administrators, is over.
The White House asserted that receiving taxpayer funds is a privilege, one that Harvard no longer meets the required standards for.
A Gallup poll last summer indicated a decline in American confidence in higher education across all political spectrums, influenced by perceptions of a prevailing political agenda in universities, with a marked drop among Republicans.
