Trump Administration Blocks Federal Research Grants to Harvard Amid Antisemitism Probe
The Trump administration halts new federal research grants for Harvard, intensifying pressures on the university regarding antisemitis policies and academic freedoms.
Breaking Down the Harvard vs. Trump Timeline
TIME Magazine
Harvard not eligible for any federal research grants: Ed Sec Linda McMahon
The Post Millennial
Overview
The Trump administration has escalated its conflict with Harvard University by blocking all new federal research grants due to alleged violations of civil rights laws and failure to adequately protect Jewish students. A letter from Secretary of Education Linda McMahon outlined that Harvard must cease its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs and comply with several new regulations or face funding termination. Meanwhile, Columbia University continues to grapple with similar issues after laying off staff following a loss of federal grants over its compliance with the Trump administration's demands. Both institutions are struggling to maintain independence amidst increasing governmental pressure.
Content generated by AI—learn more or report issue.
Get both sides in 5 minutes with our daily newsletter.
Analysis
- Columbia University announced Tuesday that it laid off 180 staff members working on federal grants impacted by the Trump administration's decision to revoke the university's funding.
- The administration cut $400 million in federal funding from Columbia in March, accusing it of 'inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.' It then issued a list of demands to the university, which it mostly acceded to, to start negotiations on restoring the funding.
- Columbia's leadership continues discussions with the federal government in support of resuming activity on these research awards and additional other awards that have remained active, but unpaid, amidst financial strain on the university.
Articles (18)
Center (5)
No highlight available for this article.
ARS Technica·2M·No highlight available for this article.
NBC News·2M·No highlight available for this article.
CBS News·2M·No highlight available for this article.
USA TODAY·2M·No highlight available for this article.
Associated Press·2M·FAQ
Harvard must negotiate with the federal government to demonstrate compliance with federal laws, address antisemitism, reverse alleged racial discrimination policies, restore rigorous academic standards, ensure viewpoint diversity, and potentially close DEI programs.
The Trump administration has frozen $2.2 billion in existing federal grants, with over $8 billion in total federal grants and contracts still active at Harvard.
The administration cited Harvard's $53 billion endowment as justification for withholding federal funds, arguing the university should use its own resources rather than rely on taxpayer money.
The story mentions Columbia facing comparable pressures, including staff layoffs after losing federal grants, but no specific details about Columbia's current status are provided in the cited sources.
Harvard has initiated legal action against the administration, claiming government overreach and violations of institutional independence.
History
- 2M
4 articles - 2M4 articles