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Harvard University is locked in a high-stakes legal battle with the Trump administration, urging a federal judge in Boston to restore nearly $2.5 billion in canceled federal grants. The cancellation—tied to accusations of antisemitism on campus—has placed critical medical and scientific research at risk, according to the university.
At the July 21 hearing, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs heard arguments from both sides. The Trump administration claims Harvard failed to combat antisemitism adequately, thus justifying the funding cuts. Senior DOJ lawyer Michael Velchik stated, “Harvard prioritized campus protesters over cancer research,” while suggesting the case be heard in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, not District Court.
Harvard’s attorney, Steven Lehotsky, argued that the funding was slashed without proof linking research grants to antisemitism. He added that cutting vital support for cancer, Parkinson’s, and infectious disease research harms both the public and the scientific community.
The tension stems from an April letter issued by a White House task force, which demanded sweeping changes in Harvard’s governance, hiring, and admissions. After the university declined to comply, the administration allegedly began retaliatory actions, including:
Canceling federal grants
Threatening the school’s accreditation
Barring international students
Increasing the federal excise tax on Harvard’s $53 billion endowment from 1.4% to 8%
The administration insists the funding cuts are a matter of enforcing policy priorities. But Judge Burroughs questioned the legality of revoking grants for “reasons oriented around speech,” calling the consequences “staggering in terms of constitutional law.”
Outside the courthouse, Harvard students and alumni gathered in protest. Salini Pillai, a rising junior, voiced concern for international students and research disruptions. Alumni group Crimson Courage also attended, arguing that the case has far-reaching implications for academic freedom nationwide.
Despite its massive endowment, Harvard insists federal grants are essential for high-cost, long-term research. President Alan Garber warned the funding loss could cost the university $1 billion annually, leading to layoffs and a hiring freeze.
Judge Burroughs is expected to issue a written ruling in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the administration maintains hope for a settlement, with a spokesperson stating, “We’re confident Harvard will eventually support the president’s vision.”
