Crimson Courage Statement on Trump’s March Attack on Harvard

March 20, 2026

The Trump Administration launched another groundless attack against Harvard in today’s filing in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts. There is nothing novel in their claims: last year, the administration cut off research funding, claiming Harvard had failed to address antisemitism concerns on campus. In an 84-page decision, Judge Allison Burroughs determined that the cancellation of research funding was completely divorced from antisemitism accusations, and was instead an attempt to curtail Harvard’s academic freedom.

The administration appealed that decision, but instead of filing its brief in that appeal, it is trying to exploit those same claims in a new case filed in the same court. This case is not about promoting a safe and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. It is another spurious attempt to coerce and control Harvard, foster divides, and attack academic freedom and institutional autonomy not only at Harvard, but across all of higher education.