Harvard Sues Trump Administration Over $2.2 Billion Grant Freeze, Citing Free Speech and Civil Rights Violations
Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit to challenge the Trump administration’s freeze of over $2.2 billion in research grants, accusing the government of violating its First Amendment rights and breaching Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The lawsuit, filed Monday, April 21, in Boston federal court, comes days after Harvard rejected a sweeping list of demands from the Trump administration. These included altering admissions policies, limiting student activism, revoking recognition for select student clubs, and auditing campus diversity initiatives. Harvard President Alan Garber declared the university’s refusal to comply, stating, “We stand for the truth that colleges and universities across the country can embrace and honor their legal obligations… without improper government intrusion.” Soon after Harvard’s response, the government froze critical research funds, prompting legal action. Harvard’s complaint asserts that the freeze is politically motivated and disconnected from any real concerns over antisemitism, noting that the affected programs span medical, scientific, and technological fields vital to national interests. The administration’s April 11 letter had also urged disciplinary actions against protesters and a review of international students deemed “hostile to American values.” On his Truth Social platform, former President Trump questioned whether Harvard should retain its tax-exempt status, labeling its stance as “ideological sickness.” Legal experts say the case could redefine boundaries of federal power over academic institutions. “This is not just about Harvard—it’s about the future of free inquiry in American education,” said Anurima Bhargava, a prominent Harvard alum. The lawsuit echoes a broader backlash against what the Trump administration views as liberal dominance on campuses, using federal funding as leverage. The American Council on Education backed Harvard, calling the administration’s actions “a clear violation of due process and the rule of law.”
