The Department of Education has requested detailed information from Harvard University regarding its foreign funding sources, citing incomplete and inaccurate disclosures. This follows a prior investigation in 2020 and a subsequent agreement where Harvard promised to improve its reporting.
The Department contends that Harvard's recent submissions are still insufficient and violate a previous agreement. Harvard is required to submit a complete list of foreign gifts, contracts, and grants, along with the identities and details of those involved. The demand also includes information on visiting researchers, scholars, students, and faculty from foreign governments or individuals.
This dispute is part of a larger conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard over $9 billion in federal funding. The government has demanded reforms from Harvard, including eliminating diversity initiatives and reforming admissions processes. Harvard has refused to comply, citing violations of its First Amendment rights and exceeding statutory limits.
In response to Harvard's refusal, the Department of Education has frozen some grants and contracts, and the Department of Homeland Security has threatened to revoke Harvard's ability to enroll foreign students due to the university's handling of anti-Semitic incidents.