The US Department of Education has initiated an investigation into the over $8.7 billion in donations given to Harvard University by various organizations. The investigation was announced to ensure that the donations were being used “in compliance with civil rights laws.”

In a written statement from the US Department of Education, it was mentioned that the appropriateness of the $255 million contract signed by Harvard with the federal government, along with the donations exceeding $8.7 billion, would be investigated. The investigation opened to ensure that the grant was being used “in compliance with civil rights laws,” was reported to be part of an examination aimed at eliminating “antisemitic harassment” on university campuses in the US.

ALLEGATIONS OF ANTISEMITISM AT HARVARD Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated, “Harvard has seriously jeopardized its reputation by failing to protect students on campus from antisemitic discrimination while promoting divisive ideologies instead of free inquiry. Harvard can rectify these wrongs and return itself to a campus where academic excellence and the pursuit of truth are honored, and where all students feel safe.”

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY UNDER SCRUTINY The Department’s announcement came after Columbia University, based in New York City, accepted the demands of President Donald Trump and his administration to combat antisemitism on campus in early March. An announcement on Columbia University’s website on March 14 revealed that the university’s administration decided to comply with the government’s demands to maintain the school’s $400 million fund. The announcement detailed that in line with the government’s demands, the definition of antisemitism would be reviewed, and the staff of the Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies would be expanded.