DOJ sues Harvard over access to data on race in admissions

The justice department sued Harvard University for allegedly failing to hand over documents related to investigations into racial discrimination in admissions, the latest legal clash between the Trump administration and the Ivy League institution.

The suit filed Friday in Boston federal court alleges that Harvard for 10 months hasn't produced the necessary documents and other information the govt needs to ensure the university isn't violating federal civil rights laws.

The probe relates to a compliance review started in April 2025, the US said.

"Under President Trump's leadership, this Department of Justice is demanding better from our nation's educational institutions," attorney general Pam Bondi said in a statement. "Harvard has failed to disclose the data we need to ensure that its admissions are free of discrimination - we'll continue fighting to put merit over DEI across America."

The university said it has complied with civil rights law under a 2023 Supreme Court decision which effectively barred universities from using race as a factor in university admissions. bloomberg