Background on Harvard and its Relevance
Harvard University, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning, has been at the center of former President Donald Trump’s campaign against certain universities he deemed as promoting “woke” ideology. This term, often used pejoratively by the political right, refers to policies fostering diversity and inclusivity.
Trump’s Allegations Against Harvard
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has accused Harvard of nurturing this “woke” ideology and failing to safeguard its Jewish and Israeli students during campus protests demanding an end to the Gaza conflict.
Trump’s Retaliatory Measures
In retaliation, the Trump administration withdrew over $2.6 billion in federal grants from Harvard, including those for healthcare sectors, and revoked its SEVIS certification. This certification allows foreign students to study in the United States.
Judge Allison Burroughs’ Ruling
Boston District Court Judge Allison Burroughs, appointed by former Democratic President Barack Obama, overturned the government’s orders following Harvard’s appeal.
“The court revokes and nullifies the administration’s decisions as a violation of the First Amendment,” Burroughs declared, referring to orders issued from April 14, 2025.
Burroughs concluded that the government’s funding cuts have minimal impact on campus antisemitism, which Harvard itself acknowledged.
“Harvard has indeed been affected by antisemitism in recent years and should have addressed the issue more effectively,” she wrote. “However, there is little connection between the affected research and campus antisemitism.”
Judge Burroughs’ Perspective on Antisemitism
Burroughs suggested that Trump used antisemitism as a “smokescreen” for a targeted, ideological attack on leading U.S. universities.
This ruling remains subject to appeal.
Implications for Other Institutions
Harvard’s legal battle with Trump may serve as a reference for other higher education institutions targeted by his administration, such as Columbia University in New York.
During the first hearing in Boston in July, Trump publicly accused Judge Burroughs of being a notable opponent and Harvard of being “antisemitic, antichristian, and anti-American.”
Harvard maintains it has taken steps to ensure Jewish and Israeli students don’t feel excluded or threatened on campus, while asserting that federal measures “threaten” academic freedom and free speech.
Additional Federal Actions
Beyond the frozen scholarships affecting Harvard, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in late July the initiation of an investigation to determine if Harvard complied with all regulations related to foreign exchange programs.
“The American people have the right to expect that their universities protect national security, follow the law, and provide a safe environment for all students,” Rubio stated.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the dispute between Trump and Harvard about? The disagreement stemmed from Trump’s accusations that Harvard promoted “woke” ideology and failed to protect its Jewish and Israeli students during campus protests.
- What actions did Trump take against Harvard? Trump withdrew over $2.6 billion in federal grants from Harvard and revoked its SEVIS certification, which allows foreign students to study in the U.S.
- What was Judge Burroughs’ ruling? Judge Burroughs overturned the government’s orders, deeming them a violation of the First Amendment.
- What did Judge Burroughs say about antisemitism on campus? Burroughs suggested that Trump used antisemitism as a “smokescreen” for attacks on leading U.S. universities.
- What additional actions did the federal government take against Harvard? The U.S. Secretary of State initiated an investigation into Harvard’s compliance with regulations related to foreign exchange programs.
