The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on July 21, 2026, that it has initiated a review of Harvard University's financial aid programs allegedly linked to China. The investigation aims to determine if these programs unlawfully discriminate against U.S. citizens.
In a letter to Harvard, the DOJ's Civil Rights Division indicated that an audit of the university's foreign funding disclosures revealed multiple gifts and contracts from China-based sources that may restrict the use of funds to favor students from specific countries. The DOJ noted that such restrictions could potentially disadvantage U.S. citizens, which may violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, or national origin by institutions receiving federal funding.
The DOJ has requested documents related to contributions from the People's Republic of China and other foreign sources that include restrictions on scholarship distribution. Additionally, the department is seeking Harvard's policies regarding foreign gifts that may involve race or national origin restrictions.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated that every American student should have equal opportunities for financial aid, emphasizing that schools cannot accept federal funding while also accepting foreign money that excludes American citizens. Harvard has denied the allegations, asserting that it complies with legal obligations under Title VI and does not discriminate in financial aid allocation.
Liu Chang, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, defended the educational ties between the U.S. and China, stating that academic cooperation should not be disrupted for political reasons. Harvard has reported receiving approximately $630 million from Chinese sources over several decades and around $4.5 billion in total foreign funding. The DOJ's review did not specify any individual donors or financial aid programs under investigation.