Overview

• The Trump administration has prohibited Harvard from receiving new federal research grants until it complies with conditions addressing antisemitism, diversity, and academic standards.
• This decision follows an earlier freeze of $2.2 billion in existing federal funds and $60 million in contracts, which Harvard is contesting in court.
• Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the issue as a civil rights matter, emphasizing concerns about antisemitism and campus governance.
• Harvard has pushed back, arguing that the administration's actions violate academic freedom and constitutional rights, while some donors express mixed views on the standoff.
• The funding freeze threatens critical research programs, with the university now relying on donor support to mitigate financial and operational challenges.