The House Judiciary Committee subpoenaed Harvard University on Thursday as part of its investigation into potential coordinated pricing among Ivy League universities, escalating tensions between the institution and Republican lawmakers in Washington.
The subpoena, issued by Representatives Jim Jordan and Scott Fitzgerald, demands documents and communications regarding Harvard’s tuition and financial aid by July 17. The committee characterized Harvard’s prior response to an information request as "inadequate" and "substantively deficient," stating that much of the provided information was already publicly accessible.
Harvard has contested the committee’s evaluation, expressing disappointment over the subpoena's issuance. A spokesman for the university stated that it believes the action is unwarranted and highlighted that Harvard has produced extensive documentation regarding its tuition-setting process and financial aid program.
This subpoena may intensify an ongoing legal struggle between Harvard and the Trump administration, which has sought to penalize the university for its noncompliance with certain requests. The university has faced scrutiny from multiple federal agencies, with the administration previously attempting to cut off federal funding and restrict international student enrollment.
Although many of the Trump administration's measures have been halted by the courts, Harvard has emerged as a symbol of resistance against these efforts. Nevertheless, university officials are weighing whether a negotiated resolution with the administration could be beneficial.
The House Judiciary Committee's inquiry began with a letter dated April 8, alleging that Ivy League institutions were potentially breaching antitrust laws by collectively increasing tuition prices and implementing selective financial aid strategies to maximize profits. The committee's document request included communications between Harvard, other Ivy League schools, and the College Board related to tuition, financial aid, and admissions practices.
The request also sought documents associated with the 568 Presidents Group, which aimed to standardize tuition prices and financial aid among its members. This organization was dissolved in 2022 amidst a class-action lawsuit, from which Harvard was not involved.
In an effort to address tuition concerns, Harvard announced in March that it would offer free attendance for students from families earning less than $100,000, while those from families earning less than $200,000 would have tuition costs waived.