A group of Harvard professors has sued the Trump administration to halt the review of almost $9 billion in federal funds awarded to the university. This review is part of the administration’s anti-antisemitism campaign in academic institutions, as per the Harvard Crimson.
The Harvard faculty chapter of AAUP, along with the national counterpart, filed a lawsuit against Harvard for allegedly violating academic freedom and free speech. The complaint accuses the administration of pushing Trump’s political views onto the university, describing it as a threat to their existence.
Harvard University, along with other top institutions, faces federal funding threats from the Trump administration amid protests on campuses regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and transgender policies. The Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and the US General Services Administration are reviewing $255.6 million in contracts and $8.7 billion in grant commitments.
The agencies required Harvard to meet conditions such as banning masks, ending DEI programs, and collaborating with law enforcement to keep getting federal funds. The administration defended its actions based on Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, a law against discrimination for federally-funded institutions.
The lawsuit argues that the administration violates free speech rights under the First Amendment. It claims the administration misuses Title VI to push universities to stifle free speech and academic inquiry for political reasons. Harvard professor Andrew Crespo agrees, stating officials shouldn’t silence critics or censor unwelcome speech.
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