Story perspectives

Trump Administration Sues Harvard Over Admissions Records Delay

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration filed a February 13, 2026, lawsuit against Harvard University, alleging it withheld admissions records for ten months.
The Justice Department says this delay obstructs an investigation into discrimination against white and Asian American applicants.
The escalation includes a demand for a $1 billion fine.
Harvard University says it complies with the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling and has not commented on the lawsuit.

History

Historical Context

In June 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action in college admissions, overturning precedents set by Grutter v. Bollinger (2003) and Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978). This decision followed decades of legal challenges, including the 2019 case against Harvard University, and reflects ongoing debates about race, merit, and educational equity in America.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration filed a February 13, 2026, lawsuit against Harvard University, alleging it withheld admissions records for ten months.
The Justice Department says this delay obstructs an investigation into discrimination against white and Asian American applicants.
The escalation includes a demand for a $1 billion fine.
Harvard University says it complies with the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling and has not commented on the lawsuit.

1 / 2