Nationwide — Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after it froze more than $2.2 billion in approved research funding. The university claims the move is unconstitutional and unlawful, and it wants the court to restore the money and stop future restrictions.According to The Harvard Gazette, the case, filed in federal court in Boston, argues that the government failed to follow proper procedures before cutting off the funds. Harvard says this violates federal laws that protect academic research and free speech.
Harvard President Alan Garber said the legal action came after the university refused to follow new government demands. These included changing policies on DEI, hiring, admissions, and governance, as well as conducting audits to measure “viewpoint diversity” among students and staff. Garber called these demands intrusive and a threat to Harvard’s independence.
After Harvard’s refusal, the administration froze $2.2 billion in existing research funding and threatened to withhold another $1 billion. Garber warned that this move puts crucial medical and scientific research at risk, including studies on cancer and infectious diseases.
The lawsuit says the freeze goes against the First Amendment and bypasses legal steps that the government must take before cutting off funds, especially when civil rights issues are involved.
Garber added that Harvard is already addressing concerns about antisemitism on campus. He promised continued action to fight hate but said the government’s approach threatens the university’s core values and its ability to conduct research freely.