Funding freeze of $2.2 billion for Trump restrained by judge in Harvard case
In an 84-page order, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs has stopped the Trump administration's attempt to cut $2.2 billion in research funding for Harvard University. The funds, which included $60 million in contracts, were frozen by the government in April, citing allegations of insufficient measures against antisemitism and a left-liberal bias.
However, Judge Burroughs ruled these cuts as unconstitutional and politically motivated. She wrote that the administration's actions have jeopardized decades of research and the welfare of those who could benefit from it.
The judge's order also concluded that there is little connection between the research affected by the grant terminations and antisemitism. She noted that the Trump administration's demands on admissions, governance, and staffing had little relation with antisemitism, undercutting the government's claims.
Judge Burroughs wrote that it is important to combat antisemitism, but the administration's actions were unlawful and disregarded rights protected by the Constitution and federal statutes. She further stated that the actual reason for cancelling funds was the president's "power and political views," not antisemitism.
The judge's ruling comes after the administration's Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism alleged that Harvard failed to confront antisemitism on campus. However, Judge Burroughs wrote that Harvard was wrong to tolerate hateful behavior for as long as it did. She also concluded that Harvard is plagued by antisemitism in recent years and should have done a better job of dealing with the issue.
Despite this, Judge Burroughs emphasised the importance of protecting academic freedom and freedom of speech as required by the Constitution. She wrote that it is crucial to ensure that institutions of higher learning can operate free from political interference.
In her ruling, Judge Burroughs did not specify which demands from the Trump administration were unlawful or had no relation to antisemitism. However, her order marks a significant victory for Harvard University and academic freedom in the United States.
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