DOJ sues for Harvard admissions documents

February 14, 2026 - 04:22

The Department of Justice has initiated a lawsuit against Harvard University, formally accusing the prestigious institution of failing to comply with a federal investigation into its admissions practices. The suit, filed in a Washington, D.C., district court, centers on the university's alleged refusal to hand over specific documents and data requested by the government.

Federal officials state the information is crucial to determine whether Harvard is adhering to a 2017 agreement concerning its treatment of Asian American applicants. The investigation seeks to uncover potential discrimination in the admissions process. The DOJ asserts that Harvard has repeatedly delayed and obstructed the probe by withholding key materials after months of negotiations.

Harvard has publicly denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that it has already provided substantial information to investigators. The university contends its admissions practices are fully compliant with federal law. This legal action marks a significant escalation in a long-running dispute between the Trump administration and one of the nation's oldest universities over the complex and often contentious issue of race in college admissions. The case is expected to proceed through the federal court system.