BOSTON (AP) — Harvard University announced Monday it filed a lawsuit to halt the federal freeze with a grant of more than $2.2 billion after saying it violated the Trump administration’s demand for institutions to restrict it. Campus Activism.
In a letter to Harvard earlier this month, the Trump administration called for reforms in broader government and leadership at universities, and for changes to enrollment policies. It also called for university audit opinions on university diversity and stopped recognition by several student clubs.
Harvard President Alan Gerber said the university would not meet the demands. Hours later, the government frozen billions of dollars with federal funds.
“The government has not identified any rational connections between anti-Semitism concerns and medical, scientific, technical and other research aimed at saving American lives, promoting American success, maintaining America’s security, and maintaining America’s status as a global leader in innovation.
“The government has not acknowledged the significant consequences that an indefinite freeze of billions of dollars in federal research funding will bring to Harvard University’s research programs, its research beneficiaries, and national interests to promote innovation and progress in America.
In its lawsuit, Harvard said the financing freeze violated the First Amendment Rights and the statutory provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. According to the lawsuit, the freeze was “arbitrarily and whimsical and violated the Management Procedures Act.
The case follows that earlier this month by the American Association, which calls for federal judges to declare it illegal and to put aside pending review and investigations of Harvard funds.
The Trump administration did not immediately respond to emails from the Associated Press requesting comment. Educational spokesman Maddie Biederman declined to comment on the lawsuit.
In a letter dated April 11, the administration told Harvard University to impose stricter discipline on protesters and select international students from those who are “hostile to American values.”
It also called for broad leadership reforms at universities, changes to enrollment policies, and removal of university awareness among some student clubs. The government also called for diversification by auditing Harvard faculty and student organizations, allowing additional students, where necessary, and hiring new faculty members, to ensure a broader perspective in all sectors.
Last Monday, Harvard cited the First Amendment, saying it would not comply. The next day, Trump takes him to his true social platform and question whether the university should lose its tax-free status if it continues to support the “illness” inspired by political, ideological and terrorists.”
The university constitutes the demands of the government as a threat to autonomy that the Supreme Court has long recognized American universities, not just Ivy League schools.
For the Trump administration, Harvard presents the first major hurdle in its attempt Forced changes at universities Republicans say it has become a hotbed of liberalism and anti-Semitism. Part of this is targeting research funding, which has facilitated scientific breakthroughs but has become an easy source of leverage for the Trump administration.
“Today, we represent the value that made American higher education a global beacon,” Gerber wrote Monday to the Harvard community.
“We represent the truth that universities and universities across the country can accept and respect their legal obligations and that government intrusions are not inappropriate and can play an essential role in society,” he writes. “That is how we achieve academic excellence, protect open research and freedom of speech, and conduct pioneering research.”
Anurima Balgava, one of the graduates who encouraged Harvard to take a more stringent position on the administration, praised the lawsuit.
“The Trump administration will continue to reckless and illegally attack Harvard’s power and control, cutting funds for life-saving scientific research and innovation, improving and saving lives,” she said. “Today, Harvard University has once again refused to join the escalating demands of the administration’s risk.”
The American Council of Education is a nonprofit with over 1,600 member universities and universities, and praised Harvard University.
“It has been clear for several weeks that the administration’s actions violated legitimate procedures and the rule of law. We praise Harvard for taking this step and look forward to a clear and clear statement by the court that refuses to make efforts to undermine scholarships and science,” said Councillor Ted Mitchell.
___
Gecker reported from San Francisco. Seattle Associated Press Writer Harry Golden made a contribution.
Source link
