Trump administration sues Harvard over data on race in admissions

February 13, 2026

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Harvard University, alleging the school failed to provide required data for a Department of Justice civil rights investigation into whether Harvard illegally considered race in its admissions decisions. The government claims Harvard withheld applicant information and correspondence about race, ethnicity, and diversity programs, violating compliance obligations under the Civil Rights Act, though officials clarified they are not accusing Harvard of discriminatory conduct or seeking financial penalties. Harvard maintains it has cooperated in good faith and made admissions changes following a 2023 Supreme Court ruling against race-conscious admissions, while accusing the government of unconstitutional overreach.

Who is affected

Harvard University
Harvard admissions staff and alumni volunteer interviewers
Harvard applicants (whose data is being requested)
US Department of Justice and its civil rights division
Trump administration officials
Three other Ivy League universities (Columbia, Penn, and Brown) that struck deals with the administration
Federal courts adjudicating the disputes

What action is being taken

The Trump administration is suing Harvard University in US District Court in Massachusetts
The Department of Justice is conducting a civil rights investigation into Harvard's admissions process
Harvard is responding to government inquiries
The White House is challenging a federal court decision that overturned funding cuts

Why it matters

This case has significant implications for university autonomy and the balance between government oversight and institutional independence. The dispute affects how colleges can conduct admissions following the Supreme Court's 2023 ban on race-conscious admissions programs, and raises constitutional questions about free speech, academic freedom, and the government's ability to dictate policies at private universities. The outcome could influence how federal civil rights investigations are conducted and set precedents for government leverage over universities through funding mechanisms.

What's next

The lawsuit asks the court to issue an injunction requiring Harvard to release the requested documents and to comply with future document requests. The White House has vowed to challenge the federal court decision that overturned billions in funding cuts. Trump has stated his administration will be seeking $1 billion in damages from Harvard.

Read full article from source: BBC