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Trump administration probing Harvard over possible discrimination in Chinese financial aid programs

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The U.S. Justice Department has launched a probe into Harvard University's financial aid programs for Chinese students, investigating potential discrimination against American citizens.
  • Harvard stated it does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, ethnicity, or national origin in allocating financial aid and is reviewing the DOJ's inquiry.
  • This investigation is the latest in a series of actions by the Trump administration against Harvard, which has previously criticized such probes as "retaliatory."

The U.S. Justice Department has initiated a compliance review into Harvard University, examining whether its financial aid programs for Chinese students discriminate against American citizens. This marks the latest action by the Trump administration against the prestigious Ivy League institution.

The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division announced today it is opening a compliance review into Harvard University to determine whether its China-based financial aid programs and practices exclude American-citizen students.

— The Justice DepartmentThe official statement announcing the probe into Harvard's financial aid programs.

The department's Civil Rights Division announced the probe Monday, stating it will determine if Harvard's China-based financial aid programs and practices exclude American-citizen students. Harvard responded by asserting that it "does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, or national origin in allocating financial aid." A university spokesperson confirmed they are reviewing the DOJ's letter and will engage with the government on the matter.

Harvard said on Monday it 'does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, or national origin in allocating financial aid.'

— Harvard UniversityThe university's official response to the Justice Department's probe.

This investigation adds to a pattern of scrutiny from the Trump administration towards Harvard and other universities. Previous probes have addressed issues including pro-Palestinian protests, diversity initiatives, transgender policies, and climate programs. Rights advocates have voiced concerns that these federal actions threaten free speech, due process, and academic freedom. Harvard has previously characterized similar investigations as "retaliatory actions against Harvard for its refusal to surrender our independence and constitutional rights."

Harvard appears to be accepting these funds and, in adherence to their restrictions, providing student financial aid to foreign students, presumably Chinese, based on their national origin - to the potential detriment of students of other national origins, including American citizens.

— The DOJThe Justice Department's specific allegation regarding Harvard's use of Chinese funding.

The DOJ's latest inquiry alleges that Harvard appears to accept funding from Chinese sources with restrictions on its use. According to the department, Harvard then uses these funds for student financial aid, potentially favoring foreign students based on national origin to the detriment of American citizens. A federal judge recently blocked a Trump administration plan to bar foreign nationals from studying in the U.S. at Harvard.

Harvard has previously said it has filed reports for decades 'as part of its ongoing compliance with the law.'

— Harvard UniversityThe university's previous statement regarding its compliance with reporting foreign donations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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