The suit, filed in the US District Court in Massachusetts, alleges that the freeze violates Harvard’s First Amendment rights and federal statutes, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Harvard argues that the federal government has overstepped its authority by attempting to dictate internal university operations, including governance structure, hiring practices and academic content. The suit portrays this as a direct attack on principles of academic freedom protected by the First Amendment.
“The Government’s demands on Harvard cut at the core of Harvard’s constitutionally protected academic freedom because they seek to assert governmental control over Harvard’s research, academic programs, community, and governance,” the complaint states.
