The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Harvard University, alleging the institution is unlawfully withholding records required for a federal investigation into racial discrimination. The 14-page complaint, filed in a Boston federal court on February 13, 2026, accuses the Ivy League school of “slow-walking” the production of admissions data and correspondence related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This move marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s broader campaign against affirmative action policies, following the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that curtailed race-conscious admissions. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that the suit aims to ensure “merit over DEI,” demanding the disclosure of individualized applicant data to verify the university’s compliance with federal civil rights laws.
Harvard has vigorously denied any wrongdoing, describing the lawsuit as part of an ongoing “retaliatory campaign” by the federal government. A university spokesperson stated that the institution has acted in good faith and will defend its independence against what it characterizes as “unlawful government overreach.” This latest legal friction follows a series of aggressive measures from the administration, including threats of massive fines and the prior revocation of Harvard’s certification to enroll international students. While the DOJ’s lawsuit does not explicitly charge Harvard with current discriminatory practices, it seeks a court order to compel the university to surrender the requested documents, arguing that Harvard’s status as a recipient of federal funding necessitates full cooperation with civil rights reviews.
