Harvard University has become the first U.S. institution of higher learning to publicly reject the Trump administration’s sweeping demands for policy changes following pro-Palestinian protests on campus.
On Monday, Harvard President Alan Garber issued a defiant letter, pushing back against what he called a government attempt to “control the Harvard community.” In response, the White House announced a freeze of $2.3 billion in federal contracts and grants, citing a failure to uphold civil rights obligations.
A Clash Over Campus Autonomy
The Trump administration had demanded Harvard implement controversial changes, including:
- Ending DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs
- Revising its admissions and hiring policies
- Reporting foreign students for alleged code violations
Garber firmly stated these demands were “unprecedented” and far beyond the legal authority of any federal agency. He emphasized that Harvard, as a private university, must remain independent in its mission to educate and research freely.
“No government – regardless of which party is in power – should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire,” Garber wrote.
Stake Funding: $2.3 Billion and Growing
The federal government gives Harvard a total of $9 billion, of which $2.3 billion is frozen. This covers student financial aid, academic collaborations, and research funds.
In late 2024, Harvard’s endowment, which is among the biggest in the world, was estimated to be worth $50.7 billion. Although Harvard can tolerate short-term losses, its research programs, faculty, and students will suffer greatly.
A More Comprehensive Attack on Higher Education
This coincides with a larger White House campaign aimed at prestigious universities. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have also resulted in funding freezes or investigations at other universities, including Columbia, Cornell, and Northwestern. In some cases, student visas have been revoked, and deportations have begun for international protest participants.
According to the Boston Globe, this is part of a coordinated campaign to pressure universities to enforce federal interpretations of anti-Semitism laws.
Legal Battle Looming?
Harvard’s bold stance sets up a potential legal showdown. As reported by Time in New York, the university is considering legal action to challenge the funding freeze, with analysts predicting a fierce First Amendment battle over academic freedom.
“If any university has the resources and influence to fight this, it’s Harvard,” noted journalist Patty Culhane.
Source: AljaZeera
