Harvard willing to spend up to $500 million to settle Trump-related dispute – SUCH TV

Harvard University is reportedly prepared to spend up to $500 million to resolve its dispute with the Trump administration—more than double the amount Columbia University agreed to pay last week to settle similar federal investigations.

Sources cited in the report indicated that financial terms are still under negotiation.

However, Harvard is resisting the inclusion of an external monitor as part of the agreement, viewing it as a firm red line.

President Donald Trump’s administration has initiated a probe into Duke University and the Duke Law Journal over allegations of race-related discrimination, making it the latest American university to face the threat of cuts to federal funding.

The government said on Monday it will probe whether the Duke Law Journal’s selection of its editors gives preferences to candidates from minority communities.

“This investigation is based on recent reporting alleging that Duke University discriminates on the bases of race, color, and/or national origin by using these factors to select law journal members,” the Education Department said in a statement.

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have sent a letter to Duke University’s leadership, accusing the institution of using race-based preferences in hiring, admissions, and scholarship decisions.

The letter urged Duke to review its policies and establish a special panel, authorized by the Board of Trustees, to work with the federal government toward a swift resolution of the alleged civil rights violations. Duke has yet to issue a response.

The Trump administration’s actions have drawn criticism from rights advocates, who say the federal government’s approach threatens free speech and academic freedom.

Federal authorities have warned of funding cuts for institutions over their climate initiatives, transgender policies, pro-Palestinian protests, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Meanwhile, Brown University has secured a $500 million loan to offset recent federal funding cuts affecting research and financial aid, according to a regulatory filing.

A U.S. official told Reuters in April that the Trump administration intends to block $510 million in grants to Brown.

Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, educational institutions receiving federal funds are prohibited from engaging in racial discrimination.

In a separate case, the federal government is investigating whether Harvard and the Harvard Law Review violated civil rights laws by fast-tracking publication of an article by a racial minority author.

Harvard is now pursuing legal action to restore its suspended federal funding.

Former President Trump has repeatedly claimed—without evidence—that DEI initiatives discriminate against white individuals and men.

Civil rights groups reject these claims, stating that DEI efforts aim to correct historical injustices against marginalized communities.