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Harvard Sues Trump Administration Over $2.2 Billion Funding Freeze

The university challenges the administration's demands for policy changes, alleging constitutional violations and threats to academic independence.

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People walk on the Business School campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., April 15, 2025.   REUTERS/Faith Ninivaggi/File Photo
Students, faculty and members of the Harvard University community rally, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass.
Water flows down the Charles River in front of Harvard University on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass.

Overview

  • Harvard University filed a federal lawsuit on April 21 to block the Trump administration's freeze of $2.2 billion in federal grants and contracts.
  • The administration's funding freeze followed Harvard's refusal to comply with demands to end DEI programs, reform admissions policies, and allow federal oversight of campus operations.
  • Harvard's lawsuit argues that the government's actions violate the First Amendment, federal laws, and due process requirements, calling them 'arbitrary and capricious.'
  • The funding freeze jeopardizes critical research projects, including studies on cancer, infectious diseases, and other scientific advancements, according to Harvard's filing.
  • The Trump administration has threatened additional cuts of $1 billion, a review of Harvard's tax-exempt status, and restrictions on international student enrollment.