U.S. Justice Department Investigates Harvard Scholarship Program for Alleged Discrimination Against American Students

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into Harvard University's scholarship programs, examining whether they discriminate against American students. The Civil Rights Division announced it is conducting a compliance review of Harvard's China-based financial aid programs and practices.

The investigation centers on whether Harvard has permitted Chinese donors to establish scholarships that exclude U.S. students. The Justice Department indicated that such restrictions could constitute illegal discrimination based on national origin. "It appears that Harvard is accepting funds and, while complying with the terms of use for those funds, is providing financial aid to foreign students (Chinese) based on their country of origin," the department stated. This, they interpret, could disadvantage students of other nationalities, including U.S. citizens.

Harmit Dhillon, director of the Civil Rights Division, emphasized, "It is illegal for schools receiving federal funds to provide financial aid that intentionally excludes U.S. citizens with foreign funding, and we will stop such practices immediately upon discovery." U.S. law requires universities to report foreign donations exceeding $250,000 annually, a requirement Harvard has stated it has met for decades.

Harvard University has characterized the investigation, initiated during the Trump administration, as "retaliation for Harvard's refusal to abandon its independence and constitutional rights." The Trump administration previously investigated several elite universities, threatening to cut federal funding over various issues, including pro-Palestinian protests, diversity initiatives, transgender policies, and climate programs. Critics argue these federal actions threaten freedom of speech, due process, and academic freedom.

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It is illegal for schools receiving federal funds to provide financial aid that intentionally excludes U.S. citizens with foreign funding, and we will stop such practices immediately upon discovery.