DOJ Opens Civil Rights Probe Into Harvard Over China-Linked Financial Aid
Investigators examine whether foreign-funded scholarships excluded American students
The Justice Department said Monday it has opened a civil rights investigation into Harvard University over allegations that Chinese donors funded scholarships that excluded American students, a practice that could violate the Civil Rights Act.
The DOJ's Civil Rights Division sent a letter to Harvard saying an audit of the university's foreign funding disclosures uncovered multiple gifts and contracts tied to China-based financial aid programs, according to the Washington Examiner. Investigators are seeking to determine whether the arrangements unlawfully discriminated against U.S. citizens seeking aid.
The probe is the latest in a series of federal inquiries into Harvard's foreign funding and admissions practices. Fox News reported the review centers on whether the university allowed donors to structure scholarship programs in ways that carved out American applicants in favor of specific foreign beneficiaries.
Harvard has not publicly detailed its response to the DOJ's letter. The university has faced sustained federal scrutiny over its handling of foreign gifts and contracts, disclosures that universities are required to report under federal law.
The outcome of the investigation could carry financial and legal consequences for Harvard, which has already been navigating a tense relationship with the federal government over funding, admissions and compliance issues.
— Compiled from reporting by Fox News and the Washington Examiner.