Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of illegally blocking over $3.2 billion in federal grants. The university says the move threatens vital research and goes against the law.
The legal battle began after the administration first froze $2.2 billion in grants, then announced plans to block an additional $1 billion, CBS News said.
The decision came shortly after Harvard refused demands from the government to change how the school is run. These demands included checking students and teachers for "viewpoint diversity," changing leadership, and revising admissions rules.
Harvard President Alan Garber said in a message to students and staff, "These actions have stark real-life consequences for patients, students, faculty, staff, researchers, and the standing of American higher education in the world."
The university filed the lawsuit in federal court in Boston, claiming the government's actions break both the Constitution and federal civil rights law. Harvard said the funding freeze is part of an effort to pressure the school into following the administration's political agenda.
NEW: Harvard University is suing the Trump administration over a $3.2 billion federal funding freeze, calling it an unconstitutional attempt to force ideological control over the school. pic.twitter.com/5qqkhMu1y3
— Bostonians Against Mayor Wu (@AntiWuCoalition) April 21, 2025
White House Cuts Harvard Funding Amid Protest Clash
"The Government has not — and cannot — identify any rational connection between antisemitism concerns and the medical, scientific, technological, and other research it has frozen," the lawsuit states.
It also says that the freeze will damage research that helps children with cancer, tracks disease outbreaks, and supports wounded soldiers.
According to AP News, the Trump administration has not yet responded to the lawsuit. But in a statement earlier this week, a White House spokesperson said, "The gravy train of federal assistance to institutions like Harvard is coming to an end."
This lawsuit is part of a wider conflict between the Trump administration and several universities. Schools like Columbia, Cornell, and Northwestern are also facing funding threats, though the fight with Harvard has been the most intense.
The White House has pushed for stronger action against campus protests over Israel's war in Gaza. In its demands to Harvard, it called for removing some student clubs, disciplining protesters, and even screening international students for "hostility to American values."
Harvard refused to make these changes. "We stand for the truth that colleges and universities... can best fulfill their essential role in society without improper government intrusion," Garber wrote.
Higher education groups are backing Harvard's lawsuit. Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, said, "The administration's actions violated due process and the rule of law. We applaud Harvard for taking this step."
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