Comes as administration freezes $2.2 billion dollars in federal funding and threatens the university’s tax-exempt status.
Trump's administration said it sought Harvard University's records on foreign funding going back a decade and on some foreign ties.
“We are navigating a turbulent time for higher education. The challenges ahead of us are formidable,” Shipman wrote to the Columbia community.
“If Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students,” said the DHS.
The time for polite letters and listening circles is over. Action is needed. President Trump’s plan recognizes the urgency and responds with clarity.
"We would reject any agreement that would require us to relinquish our independence and autonomy as an educational institution," acting president Claire Shipman said on Monday.
Harvard would have needed to change its admissions practices, stop DEI programming and policy measures, and change its hiring strategy.
"We have informed the administration through our legal counsel that we will not accept their proposed agreement," said Harvard University president Alan Garber.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of 200 family members of October 7 victims.
Harvard professors accused Trump of weaponizing antisemitism rules to silence pro-Palestine protests and DEI efforts.
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