The administration of former US President Donald Trump has formally challenged a federal judge's decision that declared its freezing of over $2 billion in research grants to Harvard University as illegal. This move is the latest in a prolonged legal and political battle between the government and the prestigious Ivy League institution.
Court Found Rights Violations in Funding Freeze
On Thursday, December 18, government lawyers filed a notice of appeal. This comes more than three months after a significant ruling by US District Judge Allison Burroughs on September 3. Judge Burroughs had determined that the Trump administration violated Harvard's constitutional rights to free speech and due process by withholding crucial federal research money.
The judge's order compelled the government to release most of the frozen funds, which it has done since the September ruling. The initial freeze was enacted in April after Harvard declined to meet a series of federal demands concerning its internal governance, admissions criteria, and hiring practices.
Harvard as a Focal Point in Broader Campaign
Harvard University has found itself at the centre of a wider initiative by the Trump White House aimed at reshaping elite American higher education. This campaign first gained momentum following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, with allegations of antisemitism on university campuses. It later broadened to include charges of political bias against conservatives, intense scrutiny of academic ties with China, and opposition to campus diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes.
In this context, Harvard emerged as a primary target. The withholding of research funds was widely seen as an attempt to penalise the university for its stance and to force compliance with the administration's directives.
University Responds, Case Heads to Appeals Court
Reacting to the appeal, a Harvard spokesperson issued a statement on Friday, defending the lower court's decision. The spokesperson emphasised that Judge Burroughs' ruling was vital as it restored "critical research funding that advances science and life-saving medical breakthroughs, strengthens national security, and enhances our nation’s competitiveness and economic priorities."
With the appeal now filed, the legal dispute enters its next phase at the appeals court level. The outcome could set a significant precedent regarding the extent of federal authority over private universities and their funding. The case continues to be closely watched by academic institutions across the United States.
