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The U.S. Department of Education announced that Harvard University will no longer receive new federal grants, citing concerns over legal compliance, financial mismanagement, and a departure from merit-based academic standards.
In a formal letter addressed to Dr. Alan Garber, Interim President of Harvard University, Education Secretary Linda McMahon outlined a series of allegations against the Ivy League institution. The letter accuses Harvard of systemic violations of federal law, a lack of transparency, and academic and administrative decisions that, according to the Department, have compromised the university’s credibility and public trust.
The Department of Education criticized the university for what it described as a “pattern of violating federal law,” particularly in areas related to student conduct, academic admissions, and the alleged failure to comply with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against the use of race in college admissions. The letter also referenced Harvard’s decision to eliminate standardized testing requirements and implement a remedial math program, questioning the university’s academic rigor.
The letter further pointed to a series of controversies surrounding Harvard’s leadership and institutional direction. It highlighted media coverage of plagiarism allegations against former Harvard President Claudine Gay and criticized recent faculty appointments, including former mayors Bill de Blasio and Lori Lightfoot, as “questionable choices” for leadership instruction.
In addition, the letter referenced comments by Harvard alumnus and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, who has been a vocal critic of the university’s governance. Ackman has called for the resignation of Penny Pritzker, a former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and current senior fellow of the Harvard Corporation, accusing her of politicizing the university and mismanaging its resources. He also raised concerns about the university’s financial standing, alleging that its reported $53.2 billion endowment is overstated and noting that Harvard holds approximately $8 billion in debt.
Secretary McMahon asserted that receiving federal funds is “a privilege, not a right,” and stated that the Administration had continued its support for Harvard under the condition that the university uphold federal laws, particularly concerning student welfare and nondiscriminatory practices. Going forward, the university is expected to operate as a privately funded institution without federal grant support.
The Department encouraged Harvard to implement reforms aimed at restoring its reputation, including a return to merit-based admissions and hiring, increased cooperation with law enforcement, and compliance with oversight from federal agencies.