Harvard University Sues U.S. Government Over Federal Funding Freeze

According to Odaily, Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit against the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, alleging that the freezing of billions of dollars in federal funds unlawfully harms the university's academic independence and violates its constitutional rights. The White House Press Secretary indicated that Harvard could face the risk of losing federal funding, and the government plans to respond to the lawsuit in court. Harvard University President stated that the freezing of funds is illegal and exceeds the government's authority. The lawsuit mentions several U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Justice, the Department of Energy, and the General Services Administration. Previously, on April 14, the Trump administration announced the freezing of approximately $2.3 billion in multi-year grants and $60 million in multi-year contracts to Harvard University. On the same day, Harvard declared it would not comply with a series of demands from the Trump administration aimed at combating anti-Semitism. Additionally, on April 18, the Trump administration requested that Harvard provide records of foreign funding and certain foreign relations over the past decade.