Harvard University says it will not comply with federal law — but it still expects to receive federal money. 

On Monday, Harvard rejected the Department of Education’s demands to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to avoid a funding freeze. The department claims its demands — which include eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, adopting merit-based hiring and admissions, and enacting disciplinary reform — ensure a nondiscriminatory environment for all students. Harvard President Alan Garber cited academic freedom for rejecting these terms in an open letter to faculty and students.