Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Monday, intensifying a dispute over federal oversight, academic independence, and billions in government funding.
In a letter to the university community, President Alan M. Garber criticized the administration’s actions, warning they could have serious consequences for students, researchers, and the broader reputation of American higher education.
The lawsuit stems from the administration’s demand that Harvard hand over all internal reports related to antisemitism and anti-Muslim bias on campus dating back to October 2023. The university argues that these demands are part of a broader effort to assert political control over higher education institutions and violate constitutional rights.
In the filing, Harvard emphasized that it rejects all forms of discrimination, including antisemitism, and is actively working on reforms to address intolerance.
However, it stated that the federal government has instead responded with a sweeping freeze on research funding unrelated to the concerns raised—jeopardizing medical, scientific, and technological projects.
The Department of Health and Human Services has also threatened Harvard’s eligibility to host foreign students, requested access to draft reports and the names of contributors, and hinted at revoking the school’s tax-exempt status. Meanwhile, the administration has tied the restoration of funding to demands such as eliminating DEI initiatives, banning masks at protests, and restructuring admissions and hiring practices.
Harvard clarified that the lawsuit isn’t about recovering lost funds but about halting what it calls unconstitutional overreach. Other top universities, including Princeton, Cornell, and Northwestern, have also seen funding put on hold amid similar pressures.
