The lawsuit also targets the $2.2 billion freeze of grants to Harvard University|Joseph Williams|CC BY 2.0

Harvard University sued the Trump administration Monday, accusing it of trying to control academic decisions and punish the school over its response to antisemitism.

The legal action follows threats to review the billions of dollars Harvard receives in federal funding after the university rejected demands, including appointing an outside overseer to ensure “diverse” viewpoints. The lawsuit also targets the $2.2 billion freeze of grants.

Harvard President Alan Garber said the government’s actions violate the First Amendment and aim to force changes in teaching and hiring. He warned of long-term damage to research, including projects on A.L.S., tuberculosis and radiation poisoning.

Harvard asked the court to fast-track the case to protect its research and independence.