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CTV News
21-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Harvard is hoping court rules Trump administration's US$2.6B research cuts were illegal
Ryan Enos, a government professor at Harvard University, speaks at a protest against President Donald Trump's recent sanctions against Harvard in front of Science Center Plaza on May 27, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham, File) BOSTON — Harvard University will appear in federal court Monday to make the case that the Trump administration illegally cut US$2.6 billion from the storied college — a pivotal moment in its battle against the federal government. If U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs decides in the university's favor, the ruling would reverse a series of funding freezes that later became outright cuts as the Trump administration escalated its fight with the nation's oldest and wealthiest university. Such a ruling, if it stands, would revive Harvard's sprawling scientific and medical research operation and hundreds of projects that lost federal money. 'This case involves the Government's efforts to use the withholding of federal funding as leverage to gain control of academic decisionmaking at Harvard,' the university said in its complaint. 'All told, the tradeoff put to Harvard and other universities is clear: Allow the Government to micromanage your academic institution or jeopardize the institution's ability to pursue medical breakthroughs, scientific discoveries, and innovative solutions.' A second lawsuit over the cuts filed by the American Association of University Professors and its Harvard faculty chapter has been consolidated with the university's. Harvard's lawsuit accuses President Donald Trump's administration of waging a retaliation campaign against the university after it rejected a series of demands in an April 11 letter from a federal antisemitism task force. The letter demanded sweeping changes related to campus protests, academics and admissions. For example, the letter told Harvard to audit the viewpoints of students and faculty and admit more students or hire new professors if the campus was found to lack diverse points of view. The letter was meant to address government accusations that the university had become a hotbed of liberalism and tolerated anti-Jewish harassment on campus. Harvard President Alan Garber pledged to fight antisemitism but said no government 'should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue.' The same day Harvard rejected the demands, Trump officials moved to freeze $2.2 billion in research grants. Education Secretary Linda McMahon declared in May that Harvard would no longer be eligible for new grants, and weeks later the administration began canceling contracts with Harvard. As Harvard fought the funding freeze in court, individual agencies began sending letters announcing that the frozen research grants were being terminated. They cited a clause that allows grants to be scrapped if they no longer align with government policies. Harvard, which has the nation's largest endowment at $53 billion, has moved to self-fund some of its research, but warned it can't absorb the full cost of the federal cuts. In court filings, the school said the government 'fails to explain how the termination of funding for research to treat cancer, support veterans, and improve national security addresses antisemitism.' The Trump administration denies the cuts were made in retaliation, saying the grants were under review even before the April demand letter was sent. It argues the government has wide discretion to cancel contracts for policy reasons. 'It is the policy of the United States under the Trump Administration not to fund institutions that fail to adequately address antisemitism in their programs,' it said in court documents. The research funding is only one front in Harvard's fight with the federal government. The Trump administration also has sought to prevent the school from hosting foreign students, and Trump has threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status. Finally, last month, the Trump administration formally issued a finding that the school tolerated antisemitism — a step that eventually could jeopardize all of Harvard's federal funding, including federal student loans or grants. The penalty is typically referred to as a 'death sentence.' Michael Casey, The Associated Press
CTV News
29-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
U.S. judge extends order blocking Trump administration ban on foreign students at Harvard
Ryan Enos, a government professor at Harvard University, speaks at a protest against President Donald Trump's recent sanctions against Harvard in front of Science Center Plaza on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham) BOSTON — A U.S. federal judge on Thursday extended an order blocking the Trump administration's attempt to bar Harvard University from enrolling foreign students. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs extended the block she imposed last week with a temporary restraining order on the government action. Harvard sued the Department of Homeland Security on Friday after Secretary Kristi Noem revoked its ability to host foreign students at its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. On Thursday, the Trump administration announced a new effort to revoke Harvard's certification to enroll foreign students. In a letter sent by the acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, Todd Lyons, the government gave Harvard 30 days to respond to the alleged grounds for withdrawal, which include accusations that Harvard coordinated with foreign entities and failed to respond sufficiently to antisemitism on campus. The dispute over international enrollment at Harvard is the latest escalation in a battle between the White House and the nation's oldest and wealthiest college. In April, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sent a letter to the school, demanding a range of records related to foreign students, including discipline records and anything related to 'dangerous or violent activity.' Noem said it was in response to accusations of antisemitism on Harvard's campus. Harvard says it complied. But on May 22, Noem sent a letter saying the school's response fell short. She said Harvard was being pulled from the federal program that allows colleges to sponsor international students to get U.S. visas. It took effect immediately and prevented Harvard from hosting foreign students in the upcoming school year. In its lawsuit, Harvard argued that the government failed to follow administrative procedures and regulations that dictate how schools may be removed from eligibility to host international students, which including giving schools the opportunity to appeal and a 30-day window to respond. Wednesday's notice is in line with those regulations. Already, despite the restraining order, the Trump administration's efforts to stop Harvard from enrolling international students have created an environment of 'profound fear, concern, and confusion,' the university's director of immigration services said in a court filing on Wednesday. In a court filing, immigration services director Maureen Martin said that countless international students had asked about transferring, and that some domestic students had expressed interest in transferring or deferring because they believed their educational experience would not be the same without an international student body. Martin said that international Harvard students arriving in Boston were sent to additional screening by Customs and Border Protection agents, and that international students seeking to obtain their visas were being denied or facing delays at consulates and embassies. The sanction, if allowed to proceed, could upend some graduate schools that recruit heavily from abroad. Among those at risk was Belgium's Princess Elisabeth, who just finished her first year in a Harvard graduate program. Some schools overseas quickly offered invitations to Harvard's students, including two universities in Hong Kong. Trump railed against Harvard on social media after Burroughs temporarily halted the action last week, saying 'the best thing Harvard has going for it is that they have shopped around and found the absolute best Judge (for them!) - But have no fear, the Government will, in the end, WIN!' The Trump administration has levied a range of grievances against Harvard, accusing it of being a hotbed of liberalism and failing to protect Jewish students from harassment. The government is demanding changes to Harvard's governance and policies to bring it in line with the president's vision. Harvard was the first university to reject the government's demands, saying it threatened the autonomy that has long made U.S. higher education a magnet for the world's top scholars. In a pair of lawsuits, Harvard accuses the government of retaliating against the university for rebuffing political demands. ___ This story has been corrected to reflect the judge did not grant a preliminary injunction, but extended a temporary restraining order. ___ Michael Casey And Annie Ma, The Associated Press Ma reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Collin Binkley contributed to this report. ____ The Associated Press' education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content.
Toronto Sun
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Federal judge extends order blocking Trump administration ban on foreign students at Harvard
Published May 29, 2025 • 3 minute read Ryan Enos, a government professor at Harvard University, speaks at a protest against President Donald Trump's recent sanctions against Harvard in front of Science Center Plaza on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. Photo by Leah Willingham / AP BOSTON — A federal judge on Thursday extended an order blocking the Trump administration's attempt to bar Harvard University from enrolling foreign students. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs granted Harvard's request for a preliminary injunction, blocking the government's action until the case is decided. It had already been paused since last week, when Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order. Harvard sued the Department of Homeland Security on Friday after Secretary Kristi Noem revoked its ability to host foreign students at its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. On Thursday, the Trump administration announced a new effort to revoke Harvard's certification to enroll foreign students. In a letter sent by the acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, Todd Lyons, the government gave Harvard 30 days to respond to the alleged grounds for withdrawal, which include accusations that Harvard coordinated with foreign entities and failed to respond sufficiently to antisemitism on campus. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The dispute over international enrollment at Harvard is the latest escalation in a battle between the White House and the nation's oldest and wealthiest college. In April, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sent a letter to the school, demanding a range of records related to foreign students, including discipline records and anything related to 'dangerous or violent activity.' Noem said it was in response to accusations of antisemitism on Harvard's campus. Harvard says it complied. But on May 22, Noem sent a letter saying the school's response fell short. She said Harvard was being pulled from the federal program that allows colleges to sponsor international students to get U.S. visas. It took effect immediately and prevented Harvard from hosting foreign students in the upcoming school year. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In its lawsuit, Harvard argued that the government failed to follow administrative procedures and regulations that dictate how schools may be removed from eligibility to host international students, which including giving schools the opportunity to appeal and a 30-day window to respond. Wednesday's notice is in line with those regulations. Already, despite the restraining order, the Trump administration's efforts to stop Harvard from enrolling international students have created an environment of 'profound fear, concern, and confusion,' the university's director of immigration services said in a court filing on Wednesday. In a court filing, immigration services director Maureen Martin said that countless international students had asked about transferring, and that some domestic students had expressed interest in transferring or deferring because they believed their educational experience would not be the same without an international student body. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Martin said that international Harvard students arriving in Boston were sent to additional screening by Customs and Border Protection agents, and that international students seeking to obtain their visas were being denied or facing delays at consulates and embassies. The sanction, if allowed to proceed, could upend some graduate schools that recruit heavily from abroad. Among those at risk was Belgium's Princess Elisabeth, who just finished her first year in a Harvard graduate program. Some schools overseas quickly offered invitations to Harvard's students, including two universities in Hong Kong. Trump railed against Harvard on social media after Burroughs temporarily halted the action last week, saying 'the best thing Harvard has going for it is that they have shopped around and found the absolute best Judge (for them!) – But have no fear, the Government will, in the end, WIN!' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Trump administration has levied a range of grievances against Harvard, accusing it of being a hotbed of liberalism and failing to protect Jewish students from harassment. The government is demanding changes to Harvard's governance and policies to bring it in line with the president's vision. Harvard was the first university to reject the government's demands, saying it threatened the autonomy that has long made U.S. higher education a magnet for the world's top scholars. In a pair of lawsuits, Harvard accuses the government of retaliating against the university for rebuffing political demands. — Ma reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Collin Binkley contributed to this report. Read More Ontario Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA Canada Sunshine Girls
The Independent
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Harvard faculty members pledge 10% of their earnings to support the fight against Trump
Some Harvard faculty members have pledged to donate 10 percent of their pay to the school in its fight against the Trump administration, following the administration's decision to freeze $2 billion in federal funding for the university, which has prompted a lawsuit from the school. In a letter shared online, the organizers behind the effort asked senior faculty to donate 10 percent of their pay to the school for a year or until the situation is resolved. "We are heartened by the University's rejection of the Trump administration's demands. We also recognize that the University now faces severe financial damage for its defense of academic freedom," the letter states. 'The Trump administration has already cut off more than $2 billion in grants, is considering revoking the University's tax-exempt status, and has threatened to revoke its certification for enrolling foreign students.' 'These financial consequences are halting research, limiting graduate student enrollment, and stopping hiring of both faculty and staff. Many faculty are already affected by salary freezes,' it adds. The letter was signed by Ryan Enos, Jeff Flier, Archon Fung, Oliver Hart, Rebecca Henderson, Steve Levitsky, Eric Maskin, Martha Minow, Dani Rodrik, Theda Skocpol, and Steve Walt. How the funds would be used wasn't detailed in the letter, but the organizers said they're putting together a plan and requested that others sign the non-binding agreement to privately share their backing as they move ahead with the process, NBC 10 Boston noted. "We envision that faculty who have made the pledge will hold a vote and if the majority agrees that the university is making a good faith effort to use its own resources in support of staff, student, and academic programs, faculty will proceed with their donation," the letter notes. As many as 84 professors signed on to the effort, according to WCVB 5. Harvard has become a target for the Trump administration after it called on the school to end all preferences 'based on race, color, national origin, or proxies thereof.' It also pushed the school to put in place 'merit-based' policies by August, prompting Harvard to respond by defying the administration as it uses its control of federal educational funding to push its agenda on universities. The Trump administration has accused several universities of not doing enough to prevent antisemitism last year in connection with campus protests against the war in Gaza. Harvard leadership has said that the school will not bow to the president, calling his administration's actions a threat to academic freedom and the independence of all universities. Previously this week, the Trump administration announced federal probes into Harvard as well as the Harvard Law Review following allegations of race-based discrimination. After the release of an internal report on antisemitism and bias against Arabs, Harvard pledged to put in place its own reforms. Hearings for the funding lawsuit filed by Harvard are set to take place at the end of July. 'The financial costs will not be shared equally among our community. Staff and students in many programs, in particular, are under greater threat than those of us with tenured positions,' the letter notes, going going on to state that signing on to the effort 'would signal a commitment by faculty to use means at our disposal to protect the university and, especially, staff and students who do not have the same protections.'
CBS News
01-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Harvard professors pledge to take pay cut in support of university's fight against Trump
Dozens of Harvard University professors are pledging to take a temporary pay cut to support the school as it fights the Trump administration's move to freeze billions of dollars in federal funding. So far, 84 senior faculty members have pledged to donate 10% of their salary this year "as our contribution to the university's financial resources while it legally contests these attacks," organizers said in a statement. Government professor Ryan Enos says the commitment adds up to an estimated $2.5 million. Jeffrey Flier, a physiology and medicine professor at Harvard Medical School who has signed on to the effort, said tenured faculty are in the best position to support Harvard "in this time of crisis." "This signals our commitment as faculty members to use means at our disposal to protect the university and, especially, staff and students who do not have the same protections," organizers wrote in the pledge. Harvard's lawsuit against Trump Harvard filed a lawsuit last week after the Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in federal funding and then signaled its intention to suspend another $1 billion in grants. President Trump has also suggested that the Ivy League school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, should lose its tax-exempt status. "We are heartened by the University's rejection of the Trump administration's unlawful demands," faculty members said in their pledge. "We also recognize that the University now faces severe financial damage for its defense of academic freedom." The Trump administration previously said it was reviewing about $9 billion in grants and contracts with Harvard as it investigated alleged antisemitic incidents on campus. It then sent a letter to Harvard demanding leadership reforms and an end to diversity, equity and inclusion policies, among other changes, if the school wanted federal funding to continue. "The gravy train of federal assistance to institutions like Harvard, which enrich their grossly overpaid bureaucrats with tax dollars from struggling American families, is coming to an end," the Trump administration said last week in reaction to Harvard's lawsuit. Harvard president Alan Garber said the funding cuts would have "stark real-life consequences," as much of the money the school receives from the federal government goes toward medical and scientific research. "The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights," Garber said.
