Federal Judge Rules Against Trump Administration’s Funding Freeze on Harvard
A federal judge issued a ruling on Wednesday, stating that the Trump administration’s decision to freeze federal funds for Harvard was unconstitutional.
This freeze involved the cancellation of over $2 billion in funding from Ivy League institutions, targeting claims that these universities weren’t sufficiently addressing anti-Semitism on campuses and were misusing racial preferences in their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Judge Allison D. Burrows determined that the administration’s actions unlawfully infringed on Harvard’s free speech rights, noting that the university was already taking steps to address the issues cited.
The verdict read, “The defendants and the president are entitled to fight anti-Semitism and use all legal means to do so. Harvard was wrong to tolerate hateful behavior as long as it was.” It emphasized the importance of combating anti-Semitism while also safeguarding free speech rights, stating, “We must not sacrifice our goals at the altar of others.”
Responses from Harvard University and the White House regarding this ruling were not immediately available.
Over the past few months, Harvard and the administration faced prolonged tensions, with negotiations seeming ineffective. In April, Harvard publicly stated it would not yield to the administration’s pressure, raising concerns about academic freedom. While the administration appeared open to compromise, Harvard had intentions of addressing the matter through legal channels instead.
The ruling suggested that, while it might be a bit late, Harvard needed to enhance its measures against anti-Semitism. “Now, stepping up like this, act to protect the constitutional rights to academic and free speech,” it added, underlining the significance of these freedoms in a democracy.
Interestingly, the same judge, appointed by Obama, had earlier supported Harvard’s contested racial enrollment policies. Nonetheless, this ruling was a shift, indicating a need for accountability regarding discrimination on campus—though the road ahead may still be challenging.
