Harvard University has taken a firm legal step against the Trump administration by filing a lawsuit over frozen federal funding.
The lawsuit, filed on Monday, April 21, in a Massachusetts federal court, accuses the administration of violating constitutional rights.
Harvard claims the decision to withhold over $2.2 billion in research funding was both “arbitrary and capricious.”
According to the university, the move aims to pressure it into changing admissions policies, hiring practices, and political independence.
The action by the Trump-led administration, Harvard says, is a misuse of federal authority to influence academic decisions.
“This lawsuit is necessary to protect academic freedom and institutional independence,” Harvard stated in its official court filing.
The lawsuit is seen as part of a larger debate over the role of politics in education.
Harvard’s case reflects its resistance against political control in academic spaces.
The administration has openly targeted other elite universities with similar claims.
This move is connected to concerns about anti-Semitism and student protests against Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The Trump administration accused these institutions of ignoring anti-Semitic rhetoric during the protests.
In response, Harvard took disciplinary action against involved students.
A total of 23 students were placed on probation, while 12 students were denied graduation due to their involvement.
However, the former president remains vocal about his opinions on the institution.
He wrote on social media, “Harvard is a joke that teaches Hate and Stupidity.” He insisted that the university should not receive any federal support.
In retaliation, the administration froze billions in federal grants and research support meant for various academic studies.
Harvard’s legal team argues that the freeze affects programs far beyond the issue at hand.
The lawsuit states it also blocks medical, scientific, and technological research, which are unrelated to any political controversies.
Furthermore, Harvard emphasized its ongoing commitment to fight all forms of discrimination, including anti-Semitism.
“The institution is actively implementing reforms to address such issues,” the university revealed in the suit.
Many believe this action is intended to control the situation and avoid future tensions between universities and government policies.
