$60 Million Harvard Funding Terminated Over Alleged Antisemitism
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on Monday that it is cutting off federal funding totaling $60 million to Harvard University. This decision stems from the institution’s alleged failure to take adequate action against antisemitic behavior and racial discrimination occurring on its campus. The move marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s campaign against elite academic institutions, particularly those accused of harboring or enabling anti-Israel sentiments.
The terminated grants were part of multiple long-term federal awards. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), HHS stated that the university’s ongoing inability to properly address incidents of antisemitic harassment had led to the decision. This funding cut follows a broader effort by the Trump administration to reform American academia, which it accuses of being influenced by what it terms “radical left,” anti-American ideologies.
Trump Administration Freezes Nearly $3 Billion in Grants
Since January, President Donald Trump’s administration has frozen or withdrawn nearly $3 billion in federal research funding directed at Harvard University. This aggressive stance reflects a growing tension between the federal government and elite universities, which are being scrutinized not only for their campus cultures but also for admissions policies that allegedly take ethnicity into account unfairly.
Harvard has faced criticism for how it has handled pro-Palestinian activism and its alleged effects on Jewish students. The administration claims that these campus protests have fostered an environment of discrimination, particularly against Jewish students. Columbia University in New York has also come under investigation for similar issues.
In response, Harvard has expressed concern over the financial and academic impact of these decisions, saying it cannot cover the full cost of the lost funding. The university is currently pursuing legal action against the federal government in an attempt to reverse the funding cuts.
Antisemitism Lawsuits and Institutional Response
Earlier this month, Harvard settled a notable lawsuit brought by an Orthodox Jewish student who claimed the university had failed to protect him from antisemitic abuse. The settlement came just months after Harvard implemented new policies aimed at ensuring Jewish students feel safer on campus. These changes were also part of a broader response to two lawsuits alleging widespread antisemitism within the institution.
Despite these measures, critics argue that Harvard’s efforts have been too slow or insufficient, prompting continued federal scrutiny and financial consequences.
