Since its initial criticism of Harvard as a place where antisemitism was condoned or ignored during last spring’s pro-Palestinian protests, the government’s list of complaints about the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university has grown by the day.

"In the government’s view, so long as Harvard is punished for exercising its First Amendment rights, the ends justify the means," the memorandum in support of Harvard's motion for summary judgment claimed.

The larger legal battle between Harvard and the Trump administration could raise questions of retaliation versus executive authority.