Harvard University announced on Tuesday that it will adhere to the Trump administration’s request to hand over employment forms for thousands of its employees. However, the university will not be sharing records for student-specific roles immediately as it assesses compliance with privacy laws.
In an email sent to employees earlier this month, Harvard confirmed it had received a notice of inspection and a related subpoena from the Department of Homeland Security. The subpoena aims to review the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification forms and accompanying documents for employees, which are required by US Citizenship and Immigration Services to verify identity and employment authorization.
Harvard acknowledged that federal laws allow the government access to employers’ paperwork, including employment eligibility information. The university has been in a legal battle with the Trump administration over the suspension of its federal funding and has previously sued the administration.
President Trump has threatened to cut federal funding to universities due to pro-Palestinian protests against Israel, climate policies, and diversity initiatives. Rights advocates have expressed concerns about free speech, due process, and academic freedom in response to these actions.
According to The New York Times, Harvard may consider spending up to $500 million to settle its dispute with the government, a sum twice what Columbia University paid last week to resolve its federal inquiries. Discussions about financial details are still ongoing, and Harvard opposes the implementation of an external monitor.
The government has also started an investigation into Duke University and its law journal, questioning whether the journal gives preference to candidates from minority communities. Duke faces a freeze of $109 million in federal funds, while the University of California, Los Angeles is accused of violating federal civil rights law, though neither institution has commented.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/jul/29/harvard-trump-administration-employment-forms
