A significant examination is underway led by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, prompted by concerns surrounding Harvard University’s use of public funds amidst allegations of civil rights violations, particularly regarding antisemitism.
Committee Chairman James Comer and Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik initiated this investigation with a formal letter delivered to Harvard University President Dr. Alan M. Garber on Thursday. This action followed the Trump administration’s decision to suspend $2.2 billion in funding allocated to the institution, alongside a $2.7 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security and an ongoing review by the Internal Revenue Service regarding the university’s tax-exempt status.
The core objective of this scrutiny is to determine if legislative action is needed to prevent institutions receiving federal aid from circumventing legal obligations while simultaneously benefiting financially from taxpayer support. As stated in the committee’s correspondence: “to ultimately decide ‘whether legislation is necessary to ensure that institutions of higher education receiving federal financial assistance are no longer able to violate the law while lucratively benefiting from the generosity of the American people.’”
The investigation centers on obtaining “documents and communications” to thoroughly assess the situation. A key element highlighted in the committee’s letter is a proposed settlement agreement, dated April 11, 2025, drafted by agencies including the General Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Education – aimed at bringing Harvard into compliance with civil rights legislation.
However, Harvard responded by asserting its independence and constitutional rights, arguing that complying with basic civil rights obligations would constitute a “surrender” of these protections. Further concerns were raised regarding substantial foreign funding received by the university, including contributions from authoritarian governments.
Harvard’s stance on federal funding was further emphasized when it stated to Fox News that it possessed “no legal basis” for the government to terminate its tax-exempt status. The university defended this status, arguing it’s essential for supporting scholarships, medical research, and technological advancements.
President Donald Trump has consistently voiced criticism of Harvard, characterizing its hiring practices as “almost all woke.” His views have fueled the investigation.
Related investigations have also impacted other institutions. The Trump administration previously paused $1 billion in funding for Cornell University and $790 million allocated to Northwestern University, both amidst similar civil rights concerns.
Harvard’s response to the oversight inquiry included a statement acknowledging the freeze of funds, scrutiny of student visas, and consideration of revoking its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status – all perceived as direct responses to the university’s commitment to academic freedom and constitutional rights. The university maintains it consistently complies with the law and has made progress in addressing antisemitism through policy enhancements, disciplinary actions, and promoting respectful dialogue.
Despite these efforts, Harvard contends that complying with specific demands – including altering its governance structure, diminishing student and faculty influence, and undergoing external audits related to viewpoint diversity – would infringe upon its First Amendment rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and undermine academic freedom.