Harvard University filed a lawsuit last April 21 against the Trump administration over freezing the research funds, arguing that it is unconstitutional and “flatly unlawful.”
They are calling on the court to restore more than $2.2 billion (Php 124.6 billion) in research dollars. The complaint, which was filed in the U.S. District Court in Boston, asks the court to revoke the funding suspension so that previously approved funds can continue to flow and to stop the administration’s attempts to freeze existing or reject prospective money without following federal law procedures.
In a community message, President Alan Garber said the lawsuit was sparked by actions the government took last week after the University turned down administration requests to change Harvard’s hiring, admissions, and governance practices and to guarantee “viewpoint diversity,” in part by conducting audits of the opinions of staff, faculty, and students.
The government sent a letter on April 11 outlining the changes, which Garber claimed were intrusive and would impose “unprecedented and improper control over the University.”
Hours after Harvard rejected White House demands, the administration retaliated by declaring a $2.2 billion funding freeze. Since then, it has stated that it is thinking about removing Harvard’s tax-exempt status and endangering international students’ education.
Aside from that, the administration is also thinking about freezing an additional $1 billion (Php 56.6 billion) in funds, Garber added.
In Harvard’s complaint, the First Amendment forbids the government from employing legal penalties or other forms of compulsion to censor speech it finds objectionable and safeguards free expression from interference meant to maintain ideological balance.
Laws that specify procedures for research money recipients suspected of civil rights violations are also violated by the government’s freeze-first approach, according to the complaint.
The prescribed process moves from voluntary negotiations to a formal hearing followed by findings. Funding can then be discontinued within 30 days of the results being made public.
With knowing of the lawsuit, people took to social media to share their thoughts on Harvard’s move against the Trump administration.
You shouldn’t be getting our tax dollars to begin with. I am glad you are suing because now Trump will cut off every nickel to you as you lose badly with no leg to stand on. You do not have a right to our money.
— JofTroy (@JofTroy) April 22, 2025
Thank you for defending #HigherEd and #CivilSociety. Thank you. https://t.co/Z9RvBrNcaH
— Michael S Roth (@mroth78) April 22, 2025
For the second time in a week, I am incredibly proud of my alma mater for standing up for academic freedom and against authoritarianism and hate. #veritas https://t.co/XJBi7GNGTZ
— Eleanor Thompson (@EleanorThomps) April 21, 2025
Glad there are honorable men who stand up FOR THR RULE OF LAW. HARVARD YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY. https://t.co/Mta2vWlkQm
— INDEPENDENT! JD, B.S.E.E. (@independant1492) April 22, 2025
Alan Garber, you will find very little support for your cause online from the American people. Students from all countries attend your school and I doubt you are forcing these countries to fund your institution. After all, private is private! I recommend the you and your cohorts…
— DukeNGracie (@RDuke437979) April 21, 2025
One of the things you will have to prove is injury… you have a very high injury threshold owing to the fact you have $53 Billion in endowments
I think you can fund yourself
— Richard (@Nauti_R) April 21, 2025
It's NOT your money, it's my money, the taxpayer & I don't want one dime going to you. Use your endowment.
— Levicutie1213 (@Levicutie1212) April 22, 2025
In the first place, taking citizens’ money without their (actual, uncoerced) consent should morally be beyond the government’s authority, and secondly, awarding it to Harvard, again without moral authority, is to add insult to injury.
— MyTWord (@MyT_Words) April 22, 2025
Harvard was notified in late March that it would be reviewing $8.7 billion (Php 493 billion) in research funding to the University and its hospital affiliates.
The University was given a list of terms on which it could guarantee ongoing funding last April 3, and a letter detailing those terms was sent on April 11.
Garber declared that Harvard would not negotiate over its independence or its constitutional rights in response to the University’s rejection of those details, which contained extensive and overreaching demands.
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