Trump administration refers Harvard University funding decision to court

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 (YPA) – The Trump administration in the United States continues to target Harvard University, which has become one of the most prominent centers for pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

The US administration objected to the court ruling that allowed the reinstatement of federal funding to the university and appealed the decision.

The Trump administration had suspended federal funding to Harvard after the pro-Palestinian protests, justifying the decision with arguments related to “campus security” and “neutrality,” while critics see the decision as a political move aimed at suppressing student and academic movements in support of Palestine.

The decision includes freezing approximately $2.6 billion in federal funding, particularly for health research and student support programs. The potential cancellation of the SEVIS certificate, which is essential for international students, has also raised significant concerns.

It is noteworthy that statistics indicate that approximately 27% of Harvard University students in the 2024-2025 academic year are of foreign nationalities.

Meanwhile, Washington considered that the university administration did not directly target students participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which sparked widespread controversy.

Moreover, observers confirm that the Trump administration’s move represents a message of continued pressure on universities that support the Palestinian people, amid fears of restricting academic freedoms nationwide.