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Harvard Professors Sue to Block Federal Review of $9 Billion in Funding
Faculty Challenge Trump Administration’s Actions Over Alleged Antisemitism Crackdown
A group of Harvard University professors is suing to stop a federal review of nearly $9 billion in contracts and grants, arguing that the review is part of a politically motivated crackdown on free speech and academic freedom.
Lawsuit Filed Over Alleged Free Speech Violations
The lawsuit was filed in a Boston federal court by the Harvard faculty chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) along with the national AAUP. It alleges that the Trump administration is unlawfully attempting to suppress campus speech and impose ideological control over the university.
The suit argues that the administration’s actions are unconstitutional and violate the First Amendment by punishing speech it disfavors, particularly in response to pro-Palestinian campus protests.
Federal Agencies Announce Review of Multi-Billion Dollar Agreements
On March 31, the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, along with the General Services Administration, announced a review of $255.6 million in federal contracts and $8.7 billion in multi-year grant commitments awarded to Harvard and its affiliates.
In a follow-up letter, the agencies listed several conditions that Harvard would need to meet to continue receiving federal funding. These included prohibiting masks during demonstrations, dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, cooperating with law enforcement, and reviewing academic programs allegedly tied to antisemitic incidents.
Allegations of Political Interference in University Policy
The lawsuit contends that the administration’s demands are a clear attempt to impose political views on the university. The plaintiffs claim that the review process is being used as leverage to force Harvard into taking punitive action against speech and activism that does not align with federal policy preferences.
Andrew Crespo, a Harvard Law School professor and general counsel to the faculty chapter of the AAUP, stated that government officials are improperly using their authority to silence opposing views.
Title VI Enforcement Cited as Legal Justification
Federal officials have cited Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in federally funded programs, as the legal basis for the review. The administration has argued that certain campus environments may be fostering antisemitic harassment.
However, the lawsuit asserts that the administration has failed to follow the proper procedures required by the statute and is instead using it to justify actions that target constitutionally protected speech.
Federal Funding Threats Part of Broader Crackdown on Campuses
Harvard is one of several elite universities facing scrutiny from the administration over campus protests, DEI initiatives, and policies related to transgender rights. The funding threats come amid a broader push to reshape university policies that some view as ideologically skewed.
Many student protests in recent months have focused on the Israel-Palestine conflict, with some demonstrators wearing masks during rallies. The administration’s letter links such behavior to a hostile campus climate.
University and Justice Department Decline to Comment
Harvard University declined to comment on the lawsuit. The U.S. Department of Justice, which is representing the administration in the matter, also did not respond to requests for comment.
“Harvard Professors Sue to Block Federal Review of $9 Billion in Funding” “Harvard Professors Sue to Block Federal Review of $9 Billion in Funding” “Harvard Professors Sue to Block Federal Review of $9 Billion in Funding” “Harvard Professors Sue to Block Federal Review of $9 Billion in Funding” “Harvard Professors Sue to Block Federal Review of $9 Billion in Funding”