Harvard adn Trump Management Reach Agreement Over Federal Funding
CAMBRIDGE, MA – Harvard University and the Trump administration have reached an agreement resolving a dispute over federal funding, averting a potential loss of up to $1 billion annually for the university. The agreement concludes a months-long review of Harvard’s compliance with federal civil rights laws, specifically regarding allegations of antisemitism on campus.
The dispute stemmed from accusations by the Trump administration that Harvard tolerated antisemitism during pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Jewish student groups countered that the administration wrongly equated criticism of Israel with antisemitism and characterized advocacy for Palestinian rights as extremism, while also noting a lack of similar investigation into Islamophobia. A Harvard task force earlier this year confirmed that both Jewish and Muslim students experienced harassment during the recent Gaza conflict. The agreement impacts approximately $9 billion in contracts and federal grants, with over $2.3 billion previously threatened with a freeze.
The Trump administration initiated a review of Harvard’s federal contracts and grants in march, threatening to withhold funding unless changes were made. Similar agreements were also reached with Columbia University and Brown University, though details of those settlements remain unclear. Harvard President Alan Garber had previously warned that federal action could cripple the university, leading to layoffs and a hiring freeze.
The administration faced legal challenges as it attempted to implement these measures. Details of the financial terms of the agreement are reportedly $500 million.
(one/FAS)