Harvard University has become the first academic institution to openly defy the Trump administration's demands, as the government intensifies its scrutiny of higher education.
On April 14, Harvard announced its refusal to comply with several policy adjustments requested by the administration, including measures to curb so-called "antisemitism" and terminate initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
According to The New York Times, Harvard's legal team sent a letter to the US Department of Education and other federal agencies, asserting that the university would not allow federal overreach to dictate its operations. "Neither Harvard nor any other private university can allow itself to be taken over by the federal government," the letter stated. "Although some of the demands outlined by the government are aimed at combating antisemitism, the majority represent direct governmental regulation of the 'intellectual conditions' at Harvard."
In a public letter, Harvard University President Alan Garber reaffirmed the institution's autonomy and constitutional rights. "They include requirements to 'audit' the viewpoints of our student body, faculty, staff, and to 'reduce the power' of certain students, faculty, and administrators targeted because of their ideological views. We have informed the administration through our legal counsel that we will not accept their proposed agreement. The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights," Garber stated.
In retaliation, the Trump administration announced a freeze on US$2.2 billion in federal funding to Harvard, along with US$60 million in contracts.
The move marks a significant shift for the university, which has faced criticism in recent weeks for allegedly yielding to government pressure. While other universities have pushed back against federal interference in higher education, Harvard's response directly challenges the legality of the administration's demands, setting a precedent for future resistance.
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