Trump Administration Freezes Federal Funding to Harvard Amid Clash over Academic Independence
The Trump administration freezes over $2 billion in federal funding to Harvard after the university defies demands regarding campus activism and diversity programs.
Overview
Harvard President Alan Garber firmly rejected President Trump’s administration’s demands, asserting the university’s commitment to independence and constitutional rights. The administration retaliated by freezing $2.2 billion in federal grants and contracts. Harvard is uniquely positioned to resist due to its $53 billion endowment. Other universities, like Columbia, are also rallying behind Harvard's stance after initially caving to government requests. A potential legal battle looms as Harvard and other institutions defend their autonomy against perceived government overreach in academic affairs. Trump has threatened to revoke the university’s tax-exempt status, escalating the conflict.
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Associated Press·3M·FAQ
The Trump administration demanded that Harvard institute 'merit-based' admissions and hiring policies, conduct audits of academic content and faculty views, dismantle DEI programs, stop recognizing certain pro-Palestine student groups, and implement other governance changes.
The Trump administration has put at risk nearly $9 billion in grants and contracts for Harvard, including a freeze of over $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts.
Harvard is preparing to sue the Trump administration over the funding freeze and has involved outside law firms to prepare for litigation, indicating a strong stance against the government's demands.
The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for other US universities defending their academic freedom against federal overreach, potentially reshaping the relationship between academia and government.
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