WASHINGTON — Harvard University is now under the Trump Administration’s microscope as part of its crackdown on campus antisemitism. The Administration has announced a new “comprehensive review” that could put billions of dollars in funding for the prestigious university at risk.
The federal antisemitism task force is currently examining over $255 million in contracts between Harvard and the federal government to ensure the university’s compliance with civil rights laws, according to Monday’s announcement. The review will also encompass $8.7 billion in grant commitments to Harvard and its affiliated institutions.
This action follows a similar move against Columbia University, where the same task force cut $400 million in funding and threatened further reductions unless the university met a series of demands from the Trump Administration. Columbia ultimately agreed to many of the requested changes this month, which drew both praise from some Jewish organizations and criticism from free speech advocates who view it as excessive government intervention.
The Trump Administration has also warned numerous other universities that they could face similar consequences regarding allegations of antisemitism. Federal funding, in the form of scientific research grants, is a major source of revenue for American universities.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that Harvard, while symbolizing the American Dream, has damaged its reputation by “promoting divisive ideologies over free inquiry” and failing to adequately protect students from antisemitism.
“Harvard can correct these errors and return to being a campus dedicated to academic excellence and the pursuit of truth, where all students feel secure,” McMahon said.
Harvard President Alan Garber acknowledged the presence of antisemitism on the university’s campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, but emphasized the steps Harvard has taken to combat it.
“Over the past fifteen months, we have dedicated significant effort to addressing antisemitism,” Garber stated. “We have strengthened our policies and our methods for disciplining those who violate them.”
Garber affirmed that Harvard will provide the government with a comprehensive account of its efforts. He cautioned that the withdrawal of federal funding would “halt life-saving research and imperil important scientific research and innovation.”
Harvard is one of more than 100 colleges and school systems currently under investigation for antisemitism or Islamophobia in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack against Israel. The Trump Administration has pledged a more aggressive approach than its predecessor, designating antisemitism as the highest priority for civil rights investigations.
Monday’s announcement did not specify any particular demands made of Harvard. The Education Department, the Health and Human Services Department, and the U.S. General Services Administration are jointly leading the review of Harvard’s contracts and grants.
These agencies will determine if work should be suspended on certain contracts between Harvard and the federal government. The task force has also directed Harvard to provide a list of all contracts with the federal government, whether directly with the university or through its affiliates.
“The Task Force will continue its efforts to eradicate anti-Semitism and to refocus our institutions of higher learning on the core values that undergird a liberal education,” stated Sean Keveney, acting general counsel for Health and Human Services. “We are pleased that Harvard is willing to engage with us on these goals.”
Several of the nation’s most prestigious universities have faced increased scrutiny from Republicans in Congress following a wave of pro-Palestinian protests that began at Columbia and spread nationwide last year. The presidents of several Ivy League institutions were summoned to testify before Congress regarding allegations of allowing antisemitism to flourish.
These hearings on Capitol Hill contributed to the resignations of the presidents of Harvard, Columbia, and Penn. The interim president who succeeded at Columbia, Katrina Armstrong, resigned last week after the university acceded to the government’s demands.
Trump and other officials have accused the protesters of being “pro-Hamas,” while student activists maintain that they oppose Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Instead of using the Education Department’s established, but lengthy, process for cutting funding to schools that violate civil rights laws, the Trump Administration has opted for the faster method of withdrawing contracts and grants. This tactic is currently being challenged in a federal lawsuit filed by the American Association of University Professors and the American Federation of Teachers.
—Holly Ramer contributed reporting from Concord, New Hampshire.
