WASHINGTON: The US Department of Education has suspended billions of dollars in research grants and federal aid to Harvard University after the institution refused to adhere to the Trump administration’s stipulations concerning diversity policies and addressing alleged anti-Semitism on its campus.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the US Department of Education officially notified Harvard University of its decision to halt the financial support until the university agrees to the administration’s conditions. This decision marks another instance of Washington leveraging federal funding to influence the policies of significant institutions, such as universities and law firms, by threatening the withdrawal of contracts and substantial grants.

The focus of the White House’s actions is centered on Harvard, which it accuses of permitting what it terms as anti-Semitic behaviors during pro-Palestinian demonstrations following the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023.

As of now, Harvard has not provided an official response to the funding freeze. Meanwhile, the university’s researchers and students are bracing for the potential impact on ongoing scientific and medical initiatives due to the suspension of financial resources.