On Tuesday, Sept. 30, US President Donald Trump stated that the federal government has reached a US$500 million (approximately HK$3.9 billion) settlement agreement with Harvard University. This agreement aims to resolve disputes between the two parties concerning federal funding. Additionally, as part of the deal, Harvard University will establish and operate a vocational and technical school.
Trump indicated that the two sides are very close to finalizing the agreement, and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon is finalizing the last details. The vocational and technical school to be opened by Harvard will teach subjects such as artificial intelligence (AI) and engine technology. Trump remarked, "This is a major investment in vocational education by smart people, and then their sins are forgiven."
Reports indicate that shortly after Trump took office, he began pressuring Harvard through various channels, citing allegations of anti-Semitism and anti-white bias at the university. Just on Sept. 29, the US government had also attempted to initiate a "debarment process" aimed at preventing Harvard from receiving US$2.2 billion in federal funds in the future.
Both Columbia University and Brown University have previously reached similar settlement agreements with the Trump administration. It is reported that Columbia University reached a US$200 million settlement with the administration in July, while Brown University reached a US$50 million settlement.
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