Harvard Just Defrosted Trump's Multibillion-Dollar Funding Freeze - Above the Law

"The ongoing lesson with these Trump institutional strong-arms seems to be that if you can survive the initial pressure, you'll get everything you were pushing for. So much for "Art of the Deal"! The Trump administration has pulled no punches in their fight with Harvard University. Massive federal funding freezes, cutting their ability to host international students, and getting one of their graduates to handle the dirty work as additional salt in the wound."

""A few hours ago, the US District Court granted Harvard's motion for summary judgment, finding that the federal government's freeze of University research funding was unlawful. The ruling affirms Harvard's First Amendment and procedural rights, and validates our arguments in defense of the University's academic freedom, critical scientific research, and the core principles of American higher education. Even as we acknowledge the important principles affirmed in today's ruling, we will continue to assess the implications of the opinion, monitor further legal developments, and be mindful"

"An evenhanded response was the move to make here. Spending too much time hammering on your superiority and punching down on Trump is a great way to make an enemy out of a petty, vindictive man who is willing to commit to the bit out of spite; the last thing Harvard - or any of us, for that matter - needs right now is for this multibillion-dollar loss to be another Obama roast."

Federal authorities froze Harvard's research funding and imposed measures restricting international student hosting amid a confrontation with the Trump administration. Harvard filed suit and secured a U.S. District Court ruling that the funding freeze was unlawful and violated First Amendment and procedural rights. The court decision was framed as a defense of academic freedom, scientific research, and core principles of higher education. Harvard indicated it will assess implications, monitor further legal developments, and adapt to a changing landscape. Commentary urged a restrained public posture to avoid provoking retaliatory, vindictive political responses that could harm institutional interests.

Read at Above the Law