Harvard University appeared in federal court on Monday to argue that the Trump administration illegally cut $2.6bn in funding, in a major test of the administration's efforts to reshape higher education by threatening financial viability.
US district judge Allison Burroughs heard arguments from Harvard and the Department of Justice. The cuts, imposed earlier this year, have halted major research efforts. Harvard says they are politically motivated to pressure the school into adopting federal policies on student conduct, admissions, antisemitism and diversity.
A ruling in Harvard's favour would revive its scientific and medical research operations and hundreds of projects that lost federal money. Harvard argues the government is using funding as leverage to control academic decision-making, warning that the tradeoff is to allow micromanagement or jeopardise medical breakthroughs and scientific discoveries.
The case is closely watched by other universities that have seen research funds axed. The administration is reportedly close to a deal with Columbia University to restore $400m in funding in exchange for measures meeting ideological demands. Harvard has also sued over the revocation of its eligibility to host international students, which was temporarily blocked by an injunction in June.
During the hearing, government lawyer Michael Velchik argued the government had authority to cancel grants when an institution is non-compliant with presidential directives, citing antisemitism at Harvard. Judge Burroughs pushed back, questioning ad-hoc grant cancellations without evidence and saying the consequences for constitutional law were 'staggering'. No ruling was made from the bench; a written decision is expected later.
