Three federal agencies are reviewing nearly $9 billion in contracts and grants between Harvard University and the U.S. government due to concerns about the university’s handling of antisemitism. The departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and the General Services Administration announced the review, which includes $8.7 billion in grants and over $255 million in contracts involving Harvard and its affiliates.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon criticized Harvard for failing to protect students from antisemitic discrimination while promoting divisive ideologies. She emphasized that Harvard has the opportunity to rectify these issues and restore its reputation as a center for academic excellence and truth-seeking.
Harvard President Alan Garber responded, stating that revoking the funding would severely impact vital research and scientific innovation. He acknowledged the university’s efforts over the past 15 months to address antisemitism on campus and committed to further actions in collaboration with the federal task force.
This review is part of a broader federal initiative to combat antisemitism on college campuses, spurred by recent incidents linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Last week, Columbia University also faced scrutiny after the Trump administration revoked $400 million in federal funding due to campus protests, leading to policy changes aimed at restoring its relationship with the government.
Additionally, Harvard recently dismissed the director and deputy director of its Center for Middle Eastern Studies, citing concerns over a lack of balance in programming related to Palestine. This decision has drawn criticism from academic groups, including the American Association of University Professors.
Earlier this month, the Anti-Defamation League released a report card evaluating how U.S. colleges address antisemitism. Harvard improved its grade from an F to a C, reflecting progress in its efforts to support Jewish students.
