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The decision, announced Monday by the U.S. Department of Education, follows a months-long review into Harvard’s response to reports of Jewish students being harassed, excluded, and silenced during and after pro-Palestinian protests that swept the campus in late 2023.

“Harvard has shown a repeated unwillingness to protect its Jewish students or confront rising antisemitism in any meaningful way,” a senior Education Department official said. “Until that changes, the university should not expect continued federal support.”

The grant freeze does not affect student financial aid but halts all new federal research funding. It comes in addition to a previously imposed hold on $2.2 billion in active grants, and is intended to pressure the university into implementing serious reforms.

The flashpoint in the standoff came after the Harvard President publicly rejected federal directives aimed at countering campus antisemitism. Rather than adopt the guidelines, Harvard sued the Department of Education to try to lift the freeze.

While Harvard last week released two internal reports acknowledging instances of discrimination against Jewish students, critics say the reports lack accountability and offer no clear corrective action.

President Donald Trump has called Harvard’s response disgraceful and has urged Congress to consider further measures, including a review of the university’s nonprofit status. “There’s no excuse for turning a blind eye to antisemitism,” Trump said during a recent campaign stop. “These universities must be held accountable.”

Whether the federal funding will resume depends on whether Harvard enters negotiations and takes verifiable steps to combat antisemitism and ensure a safe campus environment for all students.

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