Harvard rejects funding conditions, Trump freezes $2.2bn in grants
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Harvard University rejects conditions for federal funding, prompting a $2.2 billion grant freeze amid campus protests and alleged antisemitism investigations.
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Students walk through Harvard Yard on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. (AP)
Harvard University announced on Monday that it would reject the agreement proposed by the Trump administration for ongoing federal funding, stating that it would not compromise its independence or give up its constitutional rights, saying, "the university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights."
In response, the administration announced "a freeze on $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and $60M in multi-year contract value to Harvard University."
On March 31, the Trump administration said it was reviewing about $9 billion in grants and contracts with Harvard University, "to ensure the university is in compliance with federal regulations, including its civil rights responsibilities."
The Education Department is investigating alleged antisemitic incidents on college campuses, and US President Donald Trump has threatened to pull funding from universities that allow what he says are "illegal protests."
Harvard University said Monday it will not accept an agreement proposed by the Trump administration for continued federal funding, saying, "the university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights."
“No government—regardless of which party is in power—should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue.” - President Alan Garber https://t.co/6cQQpcJVTd
— Harvard University (@Harvard) April 14, 2025
In response, the administration announced the freeze on grants.
"For the government to retreat from these partnerships now risks not only the health and well-being of millions of individuals, but also the economic security and vitality of our nation," he said.
Harvard said it would be freezing hiring, citing, "substantial financial uncertainties driven by rapidly shifting federal policies."
The joint task force
On Monday, the Joint Task Force announced the $2.2 billion freeze in multi-year grants to Harvard University.
Harvard formed the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, following the resignation of former Harvard president Claudine Gay after pressure from pro-"Israel" lobbyists. At the time, Derek Penslar, a professor of Jewish history, and Raffaella Sadun, professor of business administration, were named co-chairs of the task force.
In a December 2023 op-ed, Penslar, called for "a better understanding of what is — and is not — antisemitic," landing him severe backlash.
"Harvard's statement today reinforces the troubling entitlement mindset that is endemic in our nation's most prestigious universities and colleges - that federal investment does not come with the responsibility to uphold civil rights laws," the task force said in a statement.
"The disruption of learning that has plagued campuses in recent years is unacceptable. The harassment of Jewish students is intolerable. It is time for elite universities to take the problem seriously and commit to meaningful change if they wish to continue receiving taxpayer support."
