The U.S. Department of Education has issued a formal request for records from Harvard University, compelling the institution to reveal its foreign investments. This action underscores the requirement for transparency from recipients of federal funding. The Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, emphasized the necessity for Harvard to provide complete disclosures regarding its international associations, noting that failure to do so is both unacceptable and unlawful. This request is considered the initial measure to ensure Harvard is not influenced by or acting on behalf of foreign entities.
Educational institutions in the United States are mandated to report foreign source gifts and contracts valued at $250,000 or more through Section 117 reports. A spokesperson for Harvard, Jason Newton, stated that the university has consistently complied with these reporting requirements for decades. He highlighted the critical role of philanthropic support in funding Harvard, which aids in enhancing financial aid and supports academic and operational endeavors.
Newton emphasized that contributions from alumni and donors have been instrumental in maintaining Harvard’s excellence in research and education, thereby enabling the institution to address significant societal challenges globally.
This demand from the government follows a letter from the Trump administration outlining conditions for Harvard to avoid the cancellation of its $9 billion federal funding. Harvard’s refusal to meet these demands prompted the Department of Education to announce an immediate freeze on $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and $60 million in multi-year contract values.
Additionally, there is a threat to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status, and the Department of Homeland Security is requiring the university to report detailed records of foreign students’ visa status and any associated illegal activities by the end of the month. Failure to comply could impact Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, who constitute 40% of its student body.
In 2020, the Trump administration investigated Harvard and other higher education institutions for not reporting over $6.5 billion in foreign gifts and contracts. This investigation concluded in 2024, during which Harvard submitted updated reports for the years 2014 to 2018, including additional contracts.
The Department of Education has requested a comprehensive list of information within 30 days to verify Harvard’s compliance with the law. This includes the disclosure of donors involved in foreign source gifts, records and emails of expelled foreign students, and those whose credentials were revoked since 2016. The department also seeks the names, last known addresses, and contact information of visiting or temporary researchers, scholars, students, and faculty affiliated with foreign governments.