Harvard Briefing: Understanding the Legal Landscape at Harvard and Beyond

On May 2, 2025, Harvard Alumni for Free Speech (HAFFS) welcomed Robert Shibley, Special Counsel for Campus Advocacy at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), for an in-depth discussion on the legal challenges currently surrounding Harvard University.

The conversation comes at a pivotal moment. With over $2 billion in federal funding suspended, scrutiny over Harvard’s charitable status intensifying, and the university filing a lawsuit against the federal government, the relationship between higher education and federal authority is undergoing significant strain. Shibley, a leading voice in campus civil liberties, offered an expert perspective on the broader implications these developments may have, not just for Harvard but for colleges and universities nationwide.

If you’re concerned about the future of higher education, free expression on campus, or Harvard’s evolving role in these debates, this is a conversation you’ll want to explore.