September 3, Harvard Defeats Trump in Court

A US judge has delivered a significant legal blow to the Trump administration, overturning its decision to freeze funding for Harvard University. The ruling represents a major victory for the prestigious institution, which has become a focal point of President Donald Trump’s “war” on certain American universities. The judge’s order, issued on September 3rd, also restored Harvard’s SEVIS certification, which is essential for foreign students studying in the US.

Ideological Attack on Academic Freedom

The administration had stripped Harvard of over $2.6 billion in grants, citing the university’s alleged failure to protect Jewish and Israeli students during pro-Gaza ceasefire protests.

Trump, a staunch supporter of Israel, has also accused Harvard of being a “breeding ground for ‘woke’ ideology.”

However, in her order, a Boston judge found that the administration’s actions were an “ideologically motivated, targeted attack” and a “violation of the First Amendment.”

While acknowledging that Harvard “could have and should have better addressed” antisemitism on campus, the judge noted there was “little connection between the research areas affected by the grant freezes and antisemitism.”

Harvard President Alan Garber praised the decision, stating that it validated the university’s “arguments for academic freedom.”

In response, Liz Huston, a White House press secretary, dismissed the ruling, claiming that the “activist judge appointed by Obama was bound to rule in favour of Harvard.”

Huston confirmed that the White House would “immediately appeal this outrageous decision.”

Broader Implications and Potential for Settlement

The legal battle is seen as a crucial test for other US higher education institutions that have also drawn the government’s scrutiny.

Ray Brescia, a professor at Albany Law School, suggested that the president might “return to the negotiating table” to reach an amicable financial settlement with the university.

According to Brescia, people often settle disputes “even if they think they are completely right.”

In a separate move, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in late July an investigation into whether Harvard was “complying with all regulations” regarding foreign university exchanges, stating that the American people expect universities to “ensure national security.”

Source: Defi Media