Read Harvard’s lawsuit challenging federal funding cuts
Under the threat of losing billions in federal funding, Harvard University sued the Trump Administration on Monday, arguing its pressure campaign to effect changes at the prestigious school violated the institution's constitutional rights.
The lawsuit escalated an ongoing tussle between Harvard and President Donald Trump , whose administration put vast sums of money for medical and scientific research on the line as it sought greater control over the school.
In recent weeks, federal officials have said they would freeze payments on $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts to Harvard unless the school made broad changes to its admissions, discipline and management policies.
The Trump administration said it took the step because Harvard has not done enough to curb campus antisemitism. Harvard rejected that argument and said the government was seeking to illegally control Harvard and "dictate how we operate."
The cuts would affect important medical and scientific research, from treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes to groundbreaking studies on artificial intelligence and engineering, Harvard President Alan Garber said.
"The consequences of the government's overreach will be severe and long-lasting," he wrote Monday in a letter to the school community.
Read the full lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Boston below. If it does not display, click here to read the document in another tab.
