The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced an additional funding cut of $60 million in multi-year grants to Harvard University, amid ongoing allegations of antisemitism and racial discrimination on campus. This latest reduction marks the third such funding cut by the Trump administration in just two months, following a $450 million cut announced last week and a $2.2 billion reduction revealed last month by eight federal agencies.
The HHS made the announcement via social media, expressing concern over Harvard’s “continued failure to address anti-Semitic harassment and race discrimination.” The department emphasized its commitment to enforcing civil rights in higher education.
In response to the funding cuts, Harvard has filed lawsuits against the Trump administration, arguing that these cuts overstepped agency authority, violated the First Amendment, and were retaliatory in nature due to the university’s defense of its autonomy.
Harvard President Alan M. Garber previously issued a strong criticism of the administration, which has since threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status and reduce research funding. Furthermore, the Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, announced earlier this month that the institution would be disqualified from receiving federal grants.
The funding cuts have addressed both antisemitism and alleged racial discrimination, with accusations claiming that Harvard has discriminated against white individuals. The Trump administration has promoted a “merit-based” approach to hiring and admissions, pushing for an absence of race consideration in these processes.
Compounding the financial challenges faced by Harvard, just days before the latest cut, President Garber noted that a $250 million fund designated for research projects impacted by government stop-work orders would soon be distributed to help mitigate the blow from the funding losses.
This situation continues to evolve, with Harvard navigating significant financial pressures and legal battles over its policies and practices.
Overall, this situation highlights ongoing national conversations about diversity, equality, and the responsibilities of educational institutions in addressing discrimination. The moves by the Trump administration represent a significant push towards re-evaluating how universities handle race and merit in their operations.