From NBC News: The Trump administration and Harvard University on Monday traded barbs in a critical hearing in Boston over the government’s threats to slash billions of dollars to the Ivy League school’s federal research funding.
Harvard accused the Trump administration of violating its First Amendment rights by freezing the funds to exercise authority over the school. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice argued that funding cuts are a means to protect against antisemitism, an issue that the DOJ claims Harvard had failed to appropriately address, violating the rights of its Jewish students.
Both parties had sought a summary judgement from U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs, which would avoid a trial. However, there’s no indication on when she will rule.
The case could impact government oversight in schools.
“This is a blatant, unrepentant violation of the First Amendment,” Steven P. Lehotsky, the attorney for Harvard, said.
Harvard acknowledged an antisemitism problem, but argued it’s unrelated to Alzheimer’s research funding.
The government asserted its right to terminate the terms of its grant contract if the school failed to align with its policy priorities.
Burroughs, an Obama-appointed official, emphasized her Jewish identity and questioned how cutting off funding would contribute to combating antisemitism. She questioned whether the government adequately proved that Harvard wasn’t meeting stated requirements.
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