CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Nineteen states that refused to comply with a Trump administration directive aimed at eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs in public schools went a step further Friday, filing a federal lawsuit challenging what they consider an illegal threat to cut federal funding.

Harvard University sued the Trump administration, alleging it unlawfully threatened the school's academic independence and research.

In the wake of the government’s threats, Harvard has begun touting the life-changing impacts of its federally-funded research and how the Trump administration’s “unlawful” actions could impact not only the university’s employees and students,