Three US federal agencies, including the Department of Education, Health and Human Services, and the General Services Administration, are reviewing nearly $9 billion in contracts and grants given to Harvard University. The review comes in reaction to the university’s response to antisemitic attacks that have occurred since the Israel- Hamas conflict.
According to a statement released on Monday, the agencies are examining approximately $8.7 billion in grants and over $255 million in contracts between the federal government and Harvard. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon expressed concern that the university’s failure to protect students from antisemitic discrimination jeopardized its reputation. She emphasized that Harvard must take action to restore a safe and inclusive campus.
“By failing to protect students from anti-Semitic discrimination — while promoting divisive ideologies — Harvard’s reputation has been put in serious jeopardy,” McMahon said. “Harvard can set things right and re-establish itself as a campus dedicated to academic excellence and truth-seeking.”
This report is part of a broader federal initiative to address antisemitism on American university campuses in response to a surge in such incidents following the Gaza War. Harvard’s initiative has included combating antisemitism over the last 15 months. Harvard President Alan Garber emphasized ongoing engagement with federal officials to confirm the university was dedicated to resolving such matters.
Garber warned that the withdrawal of funding would stall critical research, impacting “life-saving research and important scientific innovation.” He reaffirmed Harvard’s commitment to combating antisemitism while conceding that much work remains to be done.
Columbia University recently found itself in the crosshairs of the federal government after protests that led to the removal of $400 million in federal funds caused it to change its policies.
The American Association of University Professors also denounced Harvard’s recent removal of leadership at its Center for Middle Eastern Studies, which it accused as a failure to balance programming on Palestine.
Earlier this month, the Anti-Defamation League scored U.S. colleges on their efforts to combat antisemitism. Harvard University went from an F to a C, showing some progress but also indicating ongoing issues.
