BOSTON — A federal judge raised concerns Monday regarding the government’s rationale behind freezing nearly $3 billion in research funding for Harvard University, intensifying a legal battle that could significantly impact the institution’s research activities. During a hearing in Boston, U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs questioned the Department of Justice’s connection between the funding cuts and an initiative aimed at combating antisemitism within the university.
Judge Burroughs challenged Justice Department lawyer Michael K. Velchik, highlighting the distinction between funding research and regulating speech. “They’re not funding speech; they’re funding research. And you’re tying that research to speech,” she stated, signaling her skepticism about the government’s stance.
The nearly three-hour court session served as a platform for Harvard’s legal team to vehemently oppose the Trump administration’s funding freeze, deeming it a violation of the First Amendment rights of both the institution and its faculty. Attorney Steven P. Lehotsky criticized the administration’s actions, calling them an “unrepentant violation” of constitutional protections.
In defense, Velchik argued that the funding cuts were a necessary response to rising incidents of antisemitism at Harvard, particularly following pro-Palestine protests and associated vandalism incidents. He pointed to legal actions against Harvard over its perceived inaction regarding antisemitism and claimed that financial donors were withdrawing support due to the ongoing issues.
However, Burroughs pressed Velchik to clarify how these antisemitism concerns justified the cutting off of research funds. She expressed her disbelief that earnest anti-antisemitism efforts could conflict with the commitment to uphold American values, emphasizing that the government’s actions could be seen as contradictory.
Velchik maintained that federal agencies were acting within their rights under grant terms to redirect funding away from projects not aligning with current government priorities. Nonetheless, Burroughs warned that such reasoning could lead to substantial constitutional implications, questioning the legality of terminating grants in violation of constitutional provisions.
Later in the day, former President Donald Trump criticized Burroughs on social media, labeling her a “TOTAL DISASTER” and accusing her of bias, while promising to appeal any ruling that favored Harvard. His remarks showcased the broader political tensions surrounding this ongoing case.
The hearing followed a series of confrontations between the Trump administration and Harvard, which began in March when the government launched a comprehensive review of federal research funds in response to allegations of antisemitism at the university. This review quickly escalated to demands for compliance from Harvard, which included changes to hiring practices and audits of academic departments.
In response, Harvard President Alan M. Garber publicly rejected these conditions, characterizing them as unlawful attempts to control academic governance. Shortly thereafter, the Trump administration announced the freeze on federal funds, prompting Harvard to initiate legal action against the government.
The freeze has severely impacted the university, halting grants vital for various research projects, including critical studies on cancer treatments. Consequently, Harvard has been forced to implement budgetary constraints, including layoffs and hiring freezes, to cope with the sudden discontinuation of funding.
As the federal government persists in its measures against Harvard, including threats to the university’s accreditation and demands for records related to foreign students, negotiations between the two parties continue. Experts suggest that Harvard’s legal case against the funding cuts has a strong chance of success in court, but the outcome remains uncertain as tensions persist.
Burroughs has not yet made a ruling on the funding freeze, but she indicated her intention to issue a decision promptly. Harvard has requested that a ruling be reached by September 3, a crucial date tied to the government’s paperwork deadline regarding grant funding.
This ongoing legal struggle underscores the complex intersection of academic freedom, government policy, and First Amendment rights, with potential ramifications for how U.S. research institutions navigate political pressures in the future.
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