Harvard and Trump lawyers take funding fight to court

July 21, 2025

The Trump administration and Harvard University are engaged in a legal battle over more than $2 billion in frozen federal grants, with the White House demanding changes to Harvard's practices regarding antisemitism and diversity programs. Harvard has filed lawsuits requesting summary judgment, with a hearing scheduled before US District Judge Allison Burroughs, who has previously ruled in Harvard's favor on related matters. Harvard argues the administration is violating free speech provisions and failing to follow proper procedures for suspending funds, while the Justice Department contends that funding comes with conditions requiring support of government policies.

Who is affected

Harvard University and its students, faculty, and programs
International students at Harvard affected by visa restrictions
Other Ivy League universities facing similar pressure
Columbia University which has already agreed to certain administration demands
Recipients of federally funded research and programs at Harvard

What action is being taken

The White House has frozen more than $2 billion in federal grants to Harvard
Harvard has filed lawsuits against the administration and is requesting summary judgment
A court hearing is being held before US District Judge Allison Burroughs
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is sending subpoenas to Harvard demanding information about international students
The administration is attempting to prevent Harvard from accessing a visa system for foreign students

Why it matters

Billions in US government funding for Harvard is at stake
The case involves constitutional questions about free speech and university autonomy
The outcome could affect how universities implement diversity, equity, and inclusion programs
The case may establish precedent for government control over university policies and practices
The dispute highlights tensions between academic freedom and government funding conditions

What's next

Harvard lawyers have asked for a decision by September 3, which is the administration's deadline for Harvard to wind up its financial obligations regarding federal grants
Any ruling in the case is likely to be appealed and could reach the US Supreme Court
The Justice Department is seeking to move the case to the Federal Court of Claims
The White House has suggested settlement negotiations may occur, stating "a good deal is more than possible"

Read full article from source: BBC