DOJ Examines Harvard's Foreign-Funded Scholarship Programs
The Justice Department has opened a civil rights investigation into Harvard University to determine whether certain financial aid programs funded by China-based donors unlawfully give preference to foreign students while excluding American citizens.
According to the Department of Justice, the review focuses on whether restrictions attached to foreign donations violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits institutions receiving federal funding from discriminating on the basis of national origin. The department emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that no final conclusions have been reached.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said every American student deserves an equal opportunity to compete for scholarships, grants, and financial aid.
"Schools cannot take federal dollars and then accept money from foreign sources to provide financial aid that deliberately excludes American citizens," Dhillon said, adding that such practices would violate federal law if proven.
Billions in Foreign Funding Raise Questions
Federal disclosures show Harvard has reported receiving nearly $4.5 billion in foreign funding over the years, including more than $630 million from China-based sources, making China Harvard's largest reported source of foreign funding. The Justice Department said its review of those disclosures raised concerns that some donations required financial aid to give preference to students from particular countries.
The department is examining whether Harvard accepted those conditions while continuing to receive federal funding, a combination that could conflict with federal civil rights protections if discriminatory practices are found.
Harvard Denies Wrongdoing
Harvard has responded by saying it is reviewing the Justice Department's notice and maintains that it complies with federal law.
The university stated that it follows all required reporting rules for foreign donations and does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, ethnicity, or national origin when awarding financial aid.
Fairness for American Students
The investigation has renewed debate over whether American colleges that receive billions in taxpayer support should permit foreign donors to attach nationality-based conditions to scholarship funds.
Supporters of the investigation argue that American students should never be placed at a disadvantage when competing for financial aid at U.S. universities, especially institutions that benefit from federal funding. They contend that colleges must place equal opportunity for American citizens ahead of the interests of foreign governments or overseas donors.
The Justice Department has stressed that its review remains ongoing, and the outcome will determine whether Harvard's financial aid practices comply with federal civil rights law.
- Article Source:
The Post Millennial
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