Harvard University has found itself in the crosshairs of the Trump administration’s campaign against campus antisemitism, launching a “comprehensive review” that could potentially impact billions in funding for the esteemed Ivy League institution.
A newly established federal antisemitism task force is scrutinizing over $255 million in federal contracts linked to Harvard, aiming to ensure compliance with civil rights laws, according to Monday’s announcement. Additionally, the review encompasses $8.7 billion in grant commitments to Harvard and its affiliates.
Earlier, this same task force revoked $400 million in funding from Columbia University, warning of further cuts unless it met specific demands laid out by the Trump administration. While Columbia eventually agreed to several changes, earning praise from Jewish organizations, this move has sparked debate on federal overreach, with free speech advocates voicing strong dissent.
The administration has warned numerous other universities that they could face similar measures over alleged antisemitism. With the federal government being a crucial source of funding for American universities, particularly through research grants, this marks a substantial development.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon expressed that Harvard represents the American Dream but has compromised its standing by “endorsing divisive ideologies over free academic exploration” and not sufficiently protecting students from antisemitism.
“Harvard can resolve these issues and reestablish itself as a bastion of academic distinction and truth-seeking, ensuring safety for all students on campus,” McMahon stated.
Harvard President Alan Garber acknowledged the presence of antisemitism on campus, yet emphasized the university’s vigorous efforts to combat it. He highlighted that over the past fifteen months, Harvard has been focused on tackling antisemitism by fortifying its regulations and disciplinary actions.
Garber reassured that Harvard is committed to providing a detailed account of its efforts to the government and warned that if federal funding were withdrawn, it would jeopardize life-saving research and critical scientific advancements.
Harvard is among over 100 institutions being investigated for incidents of antisemitism or Islamophobia, particularly following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The Trump administration has vowed to take stronger measures than its predecessor, making antisemitism a focal point in civil rights investigations.
The review does not specify particular demands of Harvard yet. The Education Department, along with Health and Human Services and the U.S. General Services Administration, are spearheading the evaluation of Harvard’s contracts and grants.
These agencies will decide if any work suspension orders are due for Harvard’s federal contracts. The task force also mandates Harvard to disclose all its federal contracts, involving direct agreements with the school and those through its affiliates.
“The Task Force remains committed to eliminating antisemitism and steering our institutions towards the core principles that uphold a liberal education,” stated Sean Keveney, acting general counsel for Health and Human Services. “We’re encouraged by Harvard’s commitment to cooperate on these objectives.”
Prestigious U.S. universities have come under significant scrutiny from Republican lawmakers following widespread pro-Palestinian demonstrations that originated at Columbia and spread nationwide last year. Leaders from several Ivy League schools faced congressional hearings accusing them of permitting antisemitism to escalate.
These congressional inquiries played a role in the resignations of presidents at Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania. Columbia’s interim president, Katrina Armstrong, also resigned recently after compliance with the government’s requisitions.
Officials, including Trump, have criticized the demonstrators as “pro-Hamas,” but student activists assert their opposition is directed at Israel’s military activities in Gaza.
Circumventing the prolonged procedure typically required by the Education Department to cut funding from institutions breaching civil rights laws, the Trump administration has found expedient leverage through the suspension of contracts and grants. This method is currently contested in a federal lawsuit initiated by the American Association of University Professors and the American Federation of Teachers.