The U.S. Department of Education has frozen over $2.2 billion in federal grants and contracts to Harvard University after the school rejected demands from President Donald Trump’s administration to overhaul its diversity policies and combat antisemitism more aggressively. The administration accused Harvard of failing to uphold civil rights obligations and fostering a culture of left-wing activism over academic integrity.
The funding freeze follows Trump’s push to ensure federal dollars are not used to support what he calls “racial discrimination and antisemitism” on campuses. Harvard President Alan Garber criticized the federal action as a violation of the university's independence and First Amendment rights. He asserted that Harvard will not allow the government to dictate its teaching, admissions, or hiring practices.
The Education Department's demands included ending race-based admissions, auditing departments for “viewpoint diversity,” and reporting international students deemed hostile to “American values.” The administration has also begun deportation proceedings for foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests and revoked hundreds of student visas.
This move is part of a broader federal crackdown, with $400 million in funding also suspended from Columbia University. Both schools face lawsuits from faculty challenging what they claim is unconstitutional interference.
Harvard, which recently settled two lawsuits by pledging better protection for Jewish students, is now seeking to borrow $750 million from Wall Street to mitigate financial fallout.
Critics say the Trump administration’s efforts threaten academic freedom and weaponize federal funding to impose ideological conformity. The White House defends its actions as necessary to fight antisemitism and promote merit-based policies in higher education.
As the standoff continues, the battle between academic institutions and the federal government over free speech, diversity, and civil rights is intensifying.