WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched a wide-ranging series of enforcement, funding, and research actions last week — a slate that stretched from Harvard University’s potential loss of federal funding to new investments in elder care, artificial intelligence cancer research, and patient privacy enforcement.
In a move drawing national attention, HHS’ Office for Civil Rights referred Harvard University for suspension and debarment proceedings following findings that the school acted with “deliberate indifference” toward discrimination and harassment of Jewish and Israeli students. The referral, which could jeopardize Harvard’s access to federal funds, comes after a Title VI violation notice issued in June and a Justice Department referral in July.
“OCR’s referral of Harvard for formal administrative proceedings reflects our commitment to safeguard both taxpayer investments and the broader public interest,” said Paula M. Stannard, director of HHS’ Office for Civil Rights. The university has 20 days to request a hearing before an administrative law judge.
HHS’ enforcement activity extended to Minnesota, where the department, alongside the U.S. Department of Education, found that the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota State High School League violated Title IX by allowing males to compete in female athletic programs. The agencies ordered the state to rescind policies and restore records to affected female athletes or risk losing federal education funding.
“Once an education program takes federal funds, Title IX compliance becomes mandatory,” said Craig Trainor, the Education Department’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights. “The federal government will hold Minnesota accountable until it recognizes that fact.”
Beyond enforcement, HHS directed significant resources toward health and research initiatives aligned with the administration’s Make America Healthy Again agenda. The Administration for Community Living announced $60 million in new grants to support older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and tribal communities. The funding will bolster programs that prevent elder abuse, expand senior nutrition, and strengthen caregiver resources.
“We are directing resources where they matter most—prevention, independence, and dignity,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “These grants restore health, cut through bureaucracy, and ensure every American—especially seniors and people with disabilities—can live healthy, independent, and dignified lives.”
The department also doubled funding for its Childhood Cancer Data Initiative, raising the annual budget to $100 million to accelerate research using artificial intelligence. The expansion aims to fast-track diagnostics, prevention, and treatment breakthroughs for pediatric cancers — the leading cause of disease-related death among children in the U.S.
“President Trump is changing that,” Kennedy said. “We will harness American innovation in artificial intelligence to find cures for pediatric cancer.”
At the same time, HHS’ Office for Civil Rights finalized a settlement with Cadia Healthcare Facilities, a Delaware-based operator of rehabilitation and long-term care centers, after determining the company violated the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The agency found Cadia disclosed patient information and images on its website and social media without authorization. The provider agreed to a $182,000 settlement, a two-year compliance monitoring plan, and a corrective action order.
“The internet and social media are important tools, but covered entities must ensure that the HIPAA Privacy Rule permits any disclosure,” Stannard said. “A valid, written authorization is necessary before patient information can appear in testimonials or promotional materials.”
Together, the series of actions marked one of HHS’s most active enforcement and policy weeks of 2025 — balancing regulatory crackdowns with expansive investments in health innovation and community care.
For additional information on HHS programs, Title VI and Title IX enforcement, and health research initiatives, visit hhs.gov.
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