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CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Harvard University is awaiting the return of federal funding after a judge ruled that the Trump administration illegally targeted the school under the guise of antisemitism.
The administration froze nearly $3 billion from several federal agencies. Researchers have been notified that portions of the funding are being reinstated; however, they have yet to receive the payments. The reinstatement follows Judge Allison D. Burroughs' decision that President Trump's actions against the Ivy League were unlawful and retaliatory. Kevin Wu, a freshman, said he is optimistic about the decision.
"With the funding that's coming back, I think it's going to a great place. These students are so dedicated to their work. These students are so motivated, and I think this is just going to help our entire world get better."
Read More: Trump Administration Ordered To Unfreeze Federal Grant Money To Harvard
In a letter addressed to the Harvard community, President Alan Garber wrote, "The ruling affirms Harvard’s First Amendment and procedural rights, and validates our arguments in defense of the University’s academic freedom, critical scientific research, and the core principles of American higher education."
While the administration said it plans to appeal the ruling, students at Harvard are celebrating the opportunity to continue to do what they love.
"The more research students are doing, the more good is being put back into the world, so I totally love it," Wu said. "There are so many students passionate about what they're doing. And just talking to a lot of these folks, they already have plans for their summer research. They know exactly what they want to do with their time, and they really want to do it well."
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.