Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Apr 15: In a major blow to one of America’s most prestigious universities, Harvard is now facing a freeze on $2.2 billion in federal funding following a standoff with the Donald Trump administration over a sweeping list of demands.
The conflict escalated after Harvard rejected conditions set by the administration, which included dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices, cooperating with immigration authorities to vet international students, and implementing major changes to internal governance, hiring, and admissions processes. The administration further called for a political audit of student and faculty affiliations.
On Friday, the Trump administration’s Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism responded by suspending multi-year grants and halting $60 million in ongoing contracts, criticizing the university’s stance as “entitled” and resistant to federal civil rights oversight.
Harvard President Alan Garber released a public letter reaffirming the university’s refusal to comply, stating: “We will not negotiate over our independence or constitutional rights. No government should control what a private university teaches or whom it hires and admits.”
The situation unfolds against the backdrop of rising unrest on US campuses, many of which have witnessed intense protests over the Israel-Gaza conflict. Harvard, along with several other institutions, has been under federal investigation for alleged anti-Semitic incidents, with the department of education probing 60 universities as of March.
In contrast, Columbia University, which faced similar scrutiny, reportedly agreed to a set of government-endorsed reforms. Meanwhile, two Columbia-based organizers of pro-Palestinian protests are reportedly facing immigration-related legal action.
The funding freeze marks a significant development in the long-standing debate over academic freedom and federal oversight. While Harvard reported a $45 million surplus last fiscal year from $6.5 billion in revenue, the loss of federal support could have serious long-term implications.
Garber emphasized the university’s commitment to dialogue and academic freedom, stating: “We are open to new ideas, but we will not comply with demands that exceed the lawful authority of any administration.”
As the confrontation intensifies, it could signal a transformative moment in the relationship between American higher education and political power, particularly amid deepening cultural and ideological divides.