ED might pull $8.7 billion in federal funds to Harvard over antisemitism

The Department of Education (ED) on Monday initiated a review of Harvard’s federal funding following concerns that the school has not properly addressed antisemitism on campus.

ED, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the General Services Administration (GSA) said they will review more than $255.6 million worth of contracts between the university and the federal government and more than $8.7 billion in multi-year grant commitments, according to ED’s press release. The investigation comes after a Congressional investigation found the university failed to issue any punishments to students who participated in antisemitic protests following Hamas’ deadly Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

“Harvard has served as a symbol of the American Dream for generations – the pinnacle aspiration for students all over the world to work hard and earn admission to the storied institution,” Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in the press release. “Harvard’s failure to protect students on campus from anti-Semitic discrimination – all while promoting divisive ideologies over free inquiry – has put its reputation in serious jeopardy. Harvard can right these wrongs and restore itself to a campus dedicated to academic excellence and truth-seeking, where all students feel safe on its campus.”

A person runs past Dunster House at Harvard University on March 17, 2025, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard University announced free tuition for students from families that make under $200K a year. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

“Any institution found to be in violation of federal compliance standards may face administrative actions, including contract termination,” ED stated.

A September investigation conducted by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce found that “Harvard failed” to discipline students who engaged in antisemitic protests on campus. The protests included disrupting classes, occupying a campus building, and a multi-day encampment. (RELATED: Harvard Offers Free Tuition To Students Despite Claiming To Be Cash-Strapped)

The three agencies that comprise the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism have already revoked funding from Columbia University for similarly failing to address antisemitic incidents and protect Jewish students, after which the university entered a preliminary agreement with the task force.

Harvard did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

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