By Zo Terrana
Staff Writer
Harvard University, in its fight against the Trump administration, filed a lawsuit on Apri 21. against the administration's actions to terminate the university’s funding. Harvard argued that the administration violated its constitutional rights and endangered its “academic independence,” according to the Wall Street Journal. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court in Massachusetts, NPR reported.
Harvard President Alan Garber said in a message to the Harvard community, “The consequences of the government’s overreach will be severe and long-lasting.” Garber also said research initiatives, such as working to improve the likelihood of children who survive cancer, the development of cancer and disease outbreak research, and pain reduction for wounded soldiers will be jeopardized by the Trump administration's funding cuts.
Garber spoke on the possible future implications of the funding freeze, stating how the government is “slamming on the brakes” on impending opportunities to decrease the risk of multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
According to Garber, by “indiscriminately” cutting medical, scientific and technological research, this prohibits the U.S.’s ability to save lives and maintain the country’s world leadership position in innovation.
The funding freeze comes amid accusations by the Trump administration that Harvard has failed to protect Jewish students against antisemitism, according to NPR. Harvard, refusing to comply with a list of obligations from The Joint Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, had its funds frozen.
Among these demands included that Harvard grant the federal government supervision of admissions, hiring and the ideology of students and staff, according to the Wall Street Journal. Harvard ultimately rejected these guidelines.
Harvard has adamantly condemned anti-semitism according to the filed lawsuit. The university addressed the rise in antisemitism due to the Palestine protests pertaining to the Israel-Hamas conflict within the Middle East.
“We have strengthened our rules and our approach to disciplining those who violate them,” Garber said. “We have enhanced training and education on antisemitism across our campus and introduced measures to support our Jewish community and ensure student safety and security.”
According to the Wall Street Journal, Harvard has altered its safety policies, constituting discipline and strengthened programs aimed at confronting bias and promoting ideological inclusivity.
The U.S. Department of Education issued a statement on April 14, which said “Harvard’s statement today reinforces the troubling entitlement mindset that is endemic in our nation's most prestigious universities and colleges – that federal investment does not come with the responsibility to uphold civil rights laws.”
The statement also said the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-semitism announced it would freeze approximately $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and $60 million in multi-year contract value to Harvard University.
Harvard said that the administration's efforts to halt funding lacks constitutionality, violating the First Amendment. The lawsuit stated, “The Government’s actions flout not just the First Amendment, but also federal laws and regulations. The Government has expressly invoked the protections against discrimination contained in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as a basis for its actions.”
The lawsuit raised questions of how revoking research funding combats antisemitism. Harvard claimed the funding freeze was enacted to have the Trump administration gain leverage on the institution’s “decision making,” according to NPR.
Garber stated that the battle between his university and the current presidential administration will be an uphill battle.
“The time ahead will demand much from each of us, but I am as confident as ever in our ability to meet our challenges with integrity and resolve, our minds set on the work before us and our hearts committed to the future of our beloved University,” the Harvard president said.
