Harvard professors sue Trump over threat to cut funding

Mr. Trump - Photo 1.

Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Photo: REUTERS

According to Reuters, on April 12, professors at Harvard University filed a lawsuit in federal court in Boston to prevent the Trump administration from reviewing nearly $9 billion in federal grants and contracts for the school.

This move by the US government is said to be part of a campaign against anti-Semitism on university campuses.

The lawsuit, filed by the Harvard chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and a national organization, accuses the Trump administration of violating academic freedom and free speech.

The plaintiffs argue that the Trump administration's real goal is to impose its political views and force schools to punish speech that does not align with its policies.

In late March, U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the General Services Administration, announced they were reviewing $255.6 million in contracts and $8.7 billion in long-term funding for Harvard University and its affiliates.

The administration required the school to meet a number of conditions if it wanted to continue receiving funding, including banning masks during protests, eliminating “diversity, equity and inclusion” (DEI) programs, and cooperating with law enforcement.

The Trump administration invoked authority under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination at institutions that receive federal funding.

But the lawsuit argues that the government failed to follow due process and violated the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

Harvard law professor Andrew Crespo, legal counsel for the AAUP chapter, emphasized: "The First Amendment does not allow the government to use its power to silence those who hold opposing views."

Many top universities, not just Harvard, are also facing funding cuts over issues related to pro-Palestinian protests, DEI programs, and transgender policies.

Harvard University and the US Department of Justice have not yet made official comments on the lawsuit.