Story perspectives

Judge Dismisses DOJ Bid to Block $2.6B Harvard Grants

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge Richard G. Stearns dismissed Trump administration’s Title VI lawsuit that sought to block $2.6 billion in grants and recover $1 billion on August 13, 2026.
The suit claimed Harvard was “deliberately indifferent” to harassment of Jewish and Israeli students after Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
Stearns said the incidents, from 2023-24 and three in March 2025, were “too isolated and episodic.”
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said the Justice Department will assess next steps.

History

Historical Context

The 2001 Supreme Court ruling in Alexander v. Sandoval, a 5-4 opinion by Justice Scalia, held that Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act provides no private right of action. Courts and the Texas Supreme Court later adopted this “Sandoval test.” In August 2026 Judge Richard G. Stearns dismissed the DOJ’s $2.6 billion Title VI suit against Harvard, reaffirming the precedent.

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Story summary

Judge Richard G. Stearns dismissed Trump administration’s Title VI lawsuit that sought to block $2.6 billion in grants and recover $1 billion on August 13, 2026.
The suit claimed Harvard was “deliberately indifferent” to harassment of Jewish and Israeli students after Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
Stearns said the incidents, from 2023-24 and three in March 2025, were “too isolated and episodic.”
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said the Justice Department will assess next steps.

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