Following last week’s $2.2 billion freeze, the Trump administration has cut an additional $450 million in grants to Harvard.
The Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism criticized Harvard for its failure to address ongoing issues of racism and anti-Semitic harassment on campus.
They described this situation as part of a long-standing series of discriminatory practices at Harvard, which have been acknowledged by the university’s own Presidential Task Force focused on anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias. This task force previously condemned the university for unlawful racism.
Related: Students at Harvard involved in anti-Israel activities face charges but are awarded a $65,000 fellowship.
The task force referred to Harvard, among the oldest and most affluent universities in the U.S., as a “breeding ground for virtue signaling and discrimination.” They highlighted concerning trends in the Harvard Law Review’s review process and noted a recent report claiming the school awarded a $65,000 fellowship to students charged with assaulting Jewish students.
“This isn’t leadership—it’s a concerning situation. And it’s not about academic freedom; it’s a case of institutional disenfranchisement. There’s a troubling issue at Harvard, and by focusing on settlements rather than accountability, the university leaders have undermined the institution’s claims for taxpayer support,” the Task Force stated. “Consequently, eight federal agencies have decided to withdraw approximately $450 million in grants, adding to the $2.2 billion that was halted last week.”
The freeze on funds began with the Trump administration, which, after challenging the leadership at Harvard, suggested several changes, including governance reforms and a diversity audit among staff and students. Harvard has contested these changes, accusing the government of attempting to manipulate academic decisions using federal funding.
“The university won’t relinquish its independence or constitutional rights,” stated Alan Gerber, the former president of Harvard. “No private university should allow the federal government to take over.”
The case is set for discussion in July, meaning that funding is likely to remain on hold until then.
