The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a new lawsuit against Harvard University, claiming that the institution has failed to provide information regarding its admissions selections, thereby contravening federal anti-discrimination laws. The lawsuit demands Harvard to submit relevant data concerning individual applicants, selection policies, and information related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This legal action marks the latest escalation in an ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard, with negotiations reportedly facing significant challenges.

Since last year, the Trump administration has increasingly pressured Harvard, viewing it as a stronghold of liberal elitism. The Justice Department argues that Harvard's refusal to provide this data constitutes a violation of the civil rights law, which is required for the university to receive federal funding. The federal government had previously sought to verify whether Harvard's admissions process aligns with a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that declared racially preferential admissions practices unconstitutional. This legal confrontation brings to light the broader ideological battle regarding admissions practices at elite institutions in the U.S.

Tensions intensified after reports indicated that the Trump administration was considering abandoning a $200 million payment demand against Harvard. In response to this, President Trump expressed outrage and increased the demand to $1 billion through social media. The conflict further escalated when Defense Secretary Mark Esper publicly announced plans to sever academic ties with Harvard, marking a significant point of contention between the administration and the university regarding education and civil rights issues.