Exclusive Over 12,000 Harvard Alumni Join Legal Fight Against Trump Administration’s Funding Freeze
Exclusive Thousands of Harvard University alumni have taken the unprecedented step of formally backing their alma mater in a high-stakes legal battle against the Trump administration’s decision to freeze more than $2.2 billion in federal funding. According to documents obtained by CNN, over 12,000 graduates—from the Class of 1950 to the newly minted Class of 2025—have signed an amicus brief filed in court Monday, supporting Harvard’s lawsuit against the federal government.
Exclusive The amicus brief, a legal document submitted by parties not directly involved in the lawsuit but with a vested interest in its outcome, marks what is believed to be the largest alumni brief ever submitted on behalf of a single university. The signatories span generations and professions, including a Wisconsin craft beer maker, comedian Conan O’Brien, author Margaret Atwood, a fighter pilot from Ohio, a tribal leader from South Dakota, and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey.
Exclusive At the core of their message is a deep concern for what they see as an unlawful and dangerous federal overreach. Harvard filed the lawsuit in April, accusing the Trump administration of violating constitutional protections and attempting to control the operations of an academic institution through politically motivated funding cuts. The university has requested an expedited ruling, and oral arguments are set to begin on July 21.
Exclusive The brief argues that the federal government’s ultimate aim is to suppress academic freedom and claim the authority to determine who is entitled to speak, teach, and learn freely. “Harvard’s true greatness,” it reads, “resides in the ways we share these values and exercise these freedoms.”
A Show of Solidarity Across Divides
Anurima Bhargava, a Harvard alumna, civil rights attorney, and documentary filmmaker, helped spearhead the alumni effort. She told CNN the initiative was driven by a growing sense of urgency among graduates across political and professional lines.
“This is about more than Harvard,” Bhargava said. “It’s about defending the right of every student, at every kind of institution, to learn and think freely without government interference.”
She also noted that while thousands signed, “many” others wanted to support the cause but hesitated due to concerns about potential retaliation from the federal government.
According to Bhargava, the alumni felt compelled to act as stewards of the democratic and educational values they believe are under threat. “We are educated in part to safeguard liberty and democracy. This is a moment to stand up for that.”
Political Context and Broader Implications
The legal clash comes as the Trump administration pursues multiple investigations into Harvard and other institutions, part of a broader campaign targeting universities over alleged issues of bias, antisemitism, and perceived political imbalance.
Although administration officials have justified the freeze in funding as part of their commitment to addressing antisemitism—especially amid tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict—Harvard’s supporters say the measures have little to do with that stated goal.
“We unequivocally condemn antisemitism and every other form of discrimination and hate, which have no place at Harvard or anywhere else in our society,” the brief says.
The document further argues that most of the administration’s demands have little or no connection to antisemitism or efforts to combat bias, raising concerns that the charges are being used as political leverage.
While the White House and Education Secretary Linda McMahon have left the door open for negotiation, no formal discussions are underway, and tensions remain high as the case heads toward oral arguments.
A Potential Precedent
Legal experts suggest that the outcome of the case could set a significant precedent for how far the federal government can go in regulating or punishing universities based on perceived ideological or administrative failings.
For the thousands of alumni standing behind Harvard, this case is about preserving the independence and integrity of academic institutions.
“The stakes here are enormous,” Bhargava said.
As the legal showdown looms, Harvard’s alumni network has shown it’s willing to mobilize in historic numbers to defend what they see as core democratic and educational values.