The U.S. Justice Department is currently scrutinizing Harvard University over claims that the elite institution accepted foreign donations, potentially giving an undue advantage to students from China and other nations over their American counterparts.
On Monday, the department expressed concerns about disclosures from Harvard regarding foreign funding. These documents suggest that some financial contributions may have come with conditions favoring individuals based on nationality. This has triggered an investigation to determine if these conditions infringe upon Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which explicitly prohibits discrimination on the grounds of national origin in institutions receiving federal funds.
“Every American student deserves a fair chance at securing college scholarships, grants, and related financial assistance,” stated Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon. Her statement underscores the department’s commitment to equality in educational opportunities.
Dhillon further stressed, “It’s unlawful for schools to accept federal funds only to then turn around and accept foreign dollars that are earmarked in ways that exclude U.S. citizens. We stand ready to intervene whenever and wherever such practices arise.”
The Justice Department’s findings reveal that certain donors from China have directed Harvard to allocate their donations toward aid programs specifically aimed at students from selected countries. Such stipulations, they assert, may lead to unintended disadvantages for students of different nationalities, including those from the United States.
Officials stressed that the review remains ongoing and that the department has not reached any conclusions. The DOJ also did not identify the specific scholarships or donors under examination.
Harvard denied that its financial aid policies violate federal civil rights law.
“Harvard follows the law for required reporting of donations and, consistent with our legal obligations under Title VI, does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, or national origin in allocating financial aid,” the university said in a statement.
Federal law requires colleges and universities to report foreign gifts and contracts worth at least $250,000. The DOJ said a Civil Rights Division audit of those disclosures found that Harvard had reported nearly $4.5 billion in foreign funding — more than any other American university — including over $630 million from China, its largest foreign source.
The university provides need-based institutional aid to international students, while federal grants and other government assistance are generally limited to eligible US students. Harvard also uses private scholarship and employment funds to support students from outside the country.
Some private gifts have been designated for students from specific nations. In 2014, SOHO China co-founders Pan Shiyi and Zhang Xin donated $15 million to support Chinese students at Harvard. The DOJ has not said whether that gift is part of its review.
The inquiry adds another front to the Trump administration’s broader conflict with Harvard. Federal officials have also scrutinized the university over alleged antisemitism, admissions practices and its treatment of foreign students.
A federal judge previously blocked the administration from cutting billions of dollars in research funding from Harvard as related litigation continues.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.