The U.S. Department of Justice opened a compliance review into whether Harvard violated federal civil rights law by using gifts from China-based sources to fund financial aid programs that allegedly favor students from particular countries. DOJ’s civil rights division said Harvard’s foreign-funding disclosures raised concerns after identifying evidence that some gifts and contracts required aid be directed with preference by national origin. DOJ grounded its concern in how Harvard allocates financial aid under Title VI, and the investigation adds to a wider federal push for transparency and tighter controls around foreign funding in higher education. Harvard said it is reviewing the notice and reiterated that it follows reporting rules and does not unlawfully discriminate on race, ethnicity, or national origin in aid allocation. The case could affect how universities structure restricted scholarships and donor agreements tied to geographic eligibility.