Harvard University announced Tuesday it will comply with the Trump administration’s demand to hand over employment forms for thousands of staff members, though it is withholding records for positions exclusively available to students while reviewing privacy concerns.
The request stems from a Department of Homeland Security subpoena and notice of inspection seeking I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification forms, used to confirm workers’ identity and authorization to work in the United States. Federal regulations allow the government to access such documentation during inspections.
Harvard’s compliance comes amid an ongoing legal battle with the Trump administration over frozen federal funds. The university sued earlier this year after billions in funding were withheld following disputes over campus protests against U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza, as well as disagreements on climate initiatives, transgender policies, and diversity and inclusion programs.
Rights advocates have criticized the administration’s actions, citing threats to free speech, due process, and academic freedom on college campuses.
The New York Times recently reported Harvard may be willing to spend up to $500 million to resolve the dispute—over twice the amount Columbia University agreed to pay in a similar federal settlement. Negotiations are ongoing, with Harvard resisting calls for an external monitor to oversee compliance.
Separately, federal investigations have expanded to other institutions. This week, the government froze $109 million in federal funding to Duke University while probing the Duke Law Journal for alleged preferential editor selection favoring minority candidates. The University of California, Los Angeles was also accused of violating federal civil rights laws, though neither Duke nor UCLA has commented publicly.
These actions reflect intensifying federal scrutiny of U.S. universities under President Trump’s policies.