The Trump administration has frozen more than $2.2 billion in federal funds earmarked for Harvard University, following the institution’s rejection of sweeping demands from the White House aimed at combating antisemitism on campus.

The demands, delivered last week, called for major changes in Harvard’s hiring, admissions, and academic practices, including reporting students “hostile” to American values, enforcing viewpoint diversity in all departments, and bringing in a government-approved auditor to review programs accused of fueling antisemitic harassment. The White House also ordered disciplinary action against those involved in campus protests and accused the university of failing to uphold the “intellectual and civil rights conditions” required for continued federal funding.

Harvard became the first major university to openly defy the administration’s initiative. In a statement released Monday, University President Alan Garber said the institution would not compromise its academic independence or constitutional rights. “Although some of the demands outlined by the government are aimed at combating antisemitism, the majority represent direct governmental regulation of the ‘intellectual conditions’ at Harvard,” he said.

Shortly after Harvard’s rejection, the Department of Education announced the immediate suspension of $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts. In a statement, the department criticized the university for its “troubling entitlement mindset,” accusing it of enabling harassment and failing to protect Jewish students amid last year’s Gaza-related campus protests.

The funding freeze follows earlier White House actions targeting elite universities. In March, the Trump administration began reviewing $256 million in Harvard contracts and an additional $8.7 billion in multi-year grants. Meanwhile, Columbia University agreed to federal demands last month after $400 million in funding was suspended—drawing criticism from some faculty and students.

Harvard faculty have filed a lawsuit against the federal government, alleging unconstitutional interference in academic freedom and free speech.