Why Harvard’s race-conscious scholarships and ceremonies could be at risk under new Ed Department guidance

The US Department of Education’s new guidance threatens Harvard’s race-conscious scholarships and ceremonies. The rules, issued on February 28, 2025, could impact programs aimed at minority groups, including those for Black, Latino, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ students. With the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against affirmative action, the guidance bans any race-based policies in university programming and financial aid, risking the loss of federal funding for non-compliance. Harvard is reviewing its practices to ensure adherence to the law.