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Apr 20th, 2025, 10:21 PM ET·Politics

Harvard Sues Trump Administration Over Federal Funding Freeze Amid Dispute

Harvard University is suing the Trump administration to block a $1 billion funding cut and preserve its academic independence amid ongoing disputes.


Last Update: 6:28 PM ET

Summary

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Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for threatening to withhold over $2 billion in federal funding unless the school complies with government demands. The lawsuit, stemming from Harvard's refusal to change its academic policies, argues that the funding freeze violates the First Amendment and federal law. Harvard President Alan Garber criticized the administration's tactics, claiming they represent an unlawful attempt to control the university's operations and undermine its independence. The conflict is part of a broader dispute over academic freedom and government interference in higher education.

Sources (16)

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  • Boston Globe
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Harvard sues Trump administration over efforts to ‘gain control of academic decision-making’
The GuardianThe Guardian·1M·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The university is fighting back against the administration’s threat to review about $9bn in federal funding after Harvard officials refused to comply with a list of demands that included appointing an outside overseer to ensure that the viewpoints being taught at the university were “diverse.”"

Harvard sues Trump administration to stop the freeze of more than $2 billion in grants
Boston GlobeBoston Globe·1M·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The university frames the government’s demands as a threat not only to the Ivy League school but to the autonomy that the Supreme Court has long granted American universities."

Trump to Freeze Another $1 Billion in Harvard Funding (Live)
New York MagazineNew York Magazine·1M·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Harvard University is fighting back against the Trump administration."

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