The Trump administration has initiated a lawsuit against Harvard University, alleging that the prestigious institution has not complied with a federal investigation regarding its admissions practices. The lawsuit seeks access to documents that could reveal whether Harvard has unlawfully considered race in its admissions process.
This legal action follows remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently indicated that his administration was pursuing $1 billion from Harvard to settle inquiries into its policies. Reports surfaced suggesting that Trump had previously abandoned the demand for financial restitution from the university. Harvard representatives were not immediately available for comment on the lawsuit.
The administration has threatened to withhold federal funds from Harvard and other universities over various issues, including responses to pro-Palestinian protests regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, campus diversity initiatives, and policies related to transgender students.
According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice, Harvard has “repeatedly slow-walked the pace of production and refused to produce pertinent data and documents.” The lawsuit filed in federal court in Boston requests admissions policies and correspondence that pertain to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, which have been under scrutiny following a significant decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in March 2023. This ruling deemed race-conscious college admissions practices unconstitutional.
The Justice Department clarified that the lawsuit aims solely to compel Harvard to provide the requested documents related to race consideration in admissions. It does not allege discriminatory conduct against Harvard, nor does it seek any monetary damages or the revocation of federal funding.
This lawsuit is part of a broader pattern of tension between the Trump administration and Harvard University. Last year, the administration attempted to cancel numerous grants awarded to Harvard researchers, citing the school’s inadequate response to allegations of harassment against Jewish students. This led Harvard to file its own legal action against the government.
The ongoing disputes between the Trump administration and Harvard reflect a complex legal landscape regarding educational policies, federal funding, and civil rights considerations. As both parties prepare for the legal battle ahead, the outcome may have significant implications for the university and its admissions processes.
