Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Apr 15: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Harvard University, suggesting that the prestigious institution should forfeit its tax-exempt status. This comment came after Harvard rejected federal demands linked to antisemitism investigations, which it described as an overreach into academic freedom.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “Perhaps Harvard should lose its Tax-Exempt Status and be taxed as a Political Entity if it keeps pushing political, ideological, and terrorist-inspired/supporting ‘Sickness.’” He further reminded that tax-exempt status depends on serving the public interest, a principle he argued Harvard was violating by resisting government pressure.

Harvard, like most universities, enjoys exemption from federal income taxes due to its classification as a nonprofit organization contributing to the public good. However, the controversy intensified after the university rejected the federal government's new demands. These demands were part of a broader push by Trump's multi-agency task force, aimed at combating antisemitism but seen by many educators as an attack on academic freedom.

Harvard’s president, Alan Garber, responded by defending the institution’s autonomy, saying, "No government – regardless of which party is in power – should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue."

In retaliation, the administration froze $2.2 billion in federal grants and an additional $60 million in contract funding, accusing Harvard of neglecting its civil rights responsibilities. The administration's statement criticized the university's perceived entitlement and failure to respect federal civil rights laws, a stance that was echoed by former President Barack Obama, who praised Harvard for standing firm against federal interference.

Other Ivy League schools, such as Columbia and Princeton, have already complied with federal conditions, including restrictions on protests and curricular reviews. Harvard's stance has sparked significant debate on the balance between government influence and academic freedom in higher education.