Harvard University is suing the Trump administration to stop a funding freeze of over $2 billion. The government demanded Harvard make changes to policies on diversity, equity, inclusion, and international student screening. Harvard rejected these demands, asserting its constitutional rights and independence. A recent poll showed many disagree with withholding university funding for policy disagreements.

Harvard University announced on Monday that it is suing the Trump administration in response to the federal government’s attempt to cut billions of dollars in contracts and grants from the prestigious institution.

In a statement, Harvard President Alan Garber said, "Over the course of the past week, the federal government has taken several actions following Harvard's refusal to comply with its illegal demands." He further emphasized, "Moments ago, we filed a lawsuit to halt the funding freeze because it is unlawful and beyond the government's authority."

The university is seeking to block the Trump administration’s freeze on more than $2 billion (roughly €1.75 billion) in federal grants. Harvard’s legal team argued that the government’s actions place universities in a difficult position: "Allow the Government to micromanage your academic institution or jeopardize the institution's ability to pursue medical breakthroughs, scientific discoveries, and innovative solutions," as reported by The Harvard Crimson.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration sent Harvard a letter demanding a series of concessions. Among the requests, the federal government insisted that the university cease certain policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, prohibit masks at campus protests, conduct audits of its programs, and agree to screen international students for their ideological views.

Harvard President Alan Garber firmly resisted these demands, stating, "The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights." He added, "No government—regardless of which party is in power—should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue."

The White House decided to freeze the funding after Garber rejected the administration’s demands. The Trump administration has previously criticized leading universities for not doing enough to combat antisemitism, and Columbia University was also targeted for similar reasons.

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that 57% of respondents disagreed with the notion that "it's okay for a US president to withhold funding from universities if the president doesn't agree with how the university is run."