Harvard University Raises Its Hand
“We Must Protect Academic Freedom”
A court ruled that the Trump administration’s decision to withhold federal funding from Harvard University, demanding the eradication of on-campus anti-Semitism, was unconstitutional.
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 3rd (local time), the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts found that the Trump administration’s action to halt $2.2 billion in federal funding to Harvard violated the First Amendment, as well as the Civil Rights Act and the Administrative Procedure Act.
Previously, the Trump administration, in April, accused Harvard of deliberately neglecting on-campus anti-Semitism and demanded changes in the university’s management policies. When Harvard refused, the federal funding was halted as retribution, leading the university to file a lawsuit.
In its ruling, the court acknowledged that “Harvard’s long tolerance of hateful behaviors was wrong,” but also stated that “the federal government used anti-Semitism as a pretext to make ideological attacks on universities.” The court emphasized, “We must fight against anti-Semitism, but we must also protect our rights, especially freedom of expression,” stating, “In situations where the government pushes its agenda regardless of the cost, the court must protect academic freedom and freedom of expression.”
Additionally, the court prohibited the Trump administration from further withholding funds or cutting finances without due process as a form of retaliation.
The Trump administration announced its intention to contest the judgment and plans to appeal immediately.