Harvard's refusal to comply with the administration's demands has garnered support from many faculty members and Democratic figures, including Barack Obama, who praised the university's stance.

Harvard's April 14 rejection of the administration's demands included calls for merit-based hiring, termination of diversity programs, and increased scrutiny of international student admissions.

The GOP-led House Oversight Committee is investigating Harvard University for potential civil rights violations after the institution rejected demands from the Trump administration regarding antisemitism on campus.

This investigation follows accusations that Harvard has inadequately addressed antisemitism during student protests related to the Gaza conflict, a claim the university disputes.

In response to the pressures from the Trump administration, Harvard's staff and students have protested, emphasizing the need to uphold commitments to free speech and the rights of all students.

Committee members, including Comer and Stefanik, accuse Harvard of failing to prevent unlawful discrimination and not complying with proposed federal settlement agreements aimed at ensuring legal compliance.

In addition to the investigation, the Trump administration is contemplating barring Harvard from accepting foreign students unless it complies with strict oversight on admissions, hiring, and political orientation.

This inquiry aligns with Trump’s broader efforts to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in federally funded programs.

The Trump administration has threatened other universities, including Brown and Princeton, with funding freezes ranging from $175 million to $1 billion, indicating a wider campaign against elite institutions.

This parliamentary inquiry represents an unprecedented escalation in the cultural war waged by Republicans against American higher education.

Harvard, with approximately 30,000 students, has consistently ranked among the top universities globally and has faced criticism for its perceived liberal stance, particularly following student mobilizations regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The GOP's focus on perceived bias in higher education has intensified since the Israel-Hamas conflict, with allegations of antisemitism becoming more prominent in discussions surrounding campus protests.