The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has terminated a multi-year, $60 million educational grant to Harvard University following tensions between the university administration and the Trump administration regarding student protests demanding an end to Israel's military offensive in Gaza.

In a Monday evening post on X (formerly Twitter), HHS stated:
*"We are taking decisive action to uphold civil rights in higher education... Given Harvard's continued failure to address harassment issues, the Department is terminating a multi-year grant totaling approximately $60 million."*

The Department added:
"Under the Trump administration, federal funds must support institutions that protect all students."

Background:

• The federal government initially suspended funding to Harvard earlier this month after the university refused government demands to impose stricter punitive measures against students supporting Gaza and protesting what they describe as Israel's "genocidal war" on the besieged enclave since October 2023.

• In mid-April, Harvard publicly rejected federal threats to withhold funding unless it disciplined students who participated in—or might future join—anti-war demonstrations.

• The Trump administration had sent similar funding ultimatums to multiple U.S. universities last spring amid widespread pro-Palestinian campus protests.

Key Developments:

1. Funding Cut: Immediate termination (not just suspension) of $60M grant

2. Official Justification: Civil rights compliance and harassment concerns

3. Political Context: Part of broader Trump-era pressure on universities regarding Middle East protests