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Harvard University announced on Monday that it will not acquiesce to a proposed agreement from the Trump administration regarding the continuation of federal funding, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining institutional independence and constitutional rights.
On March 31, the administration revealed it was conducting a review of approximately $9 billion in grants and contracts with Harvard to ensure compliance with federal regulations, specifically in relation to civil rights. This scrutiny comes amidst an investigation by the Education Department into alleged antisemitic incidents on college campuses. President Trump has previously indicated intentions to withdraw funding from universities that he claims tolerate what he describes as “illegal protests.”
A correspondence sent to Harvard on April 11 outlined a set of stipulations the university would need to fulfill to maintain its financial relationship with the federal government. These included mandated leadership changes, an immediate cessation of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, an audit focusing on “viewpoint diversity” among students and faculty, and stringent disciplinary measures for students who breach school policies in the wake of a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus.
Earlier in March, the Trump administration had also announced the cancellation of $400 million in grants and contracts to Columbia University, citing the institution’s inaction concerning what it termed persistent harassment of Jewish students.
Harvard’s Position on Federal Oversight
In response to the administration’s stance, Harvard president Alan Garber indicated that the university has initiated several measures to combat antisemitism and intends to undertake further actions. However, he firmly stated that the proposed agreement surpasses the legitimate authority of the federal government.
Garber stressed that “the University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights,” in a public statement. He further highlighted the significant advancements made in medical, engineering, and scientific research funded by federal resources at Harvard.
“If the government steps back from these collaborations now, it jeopardizes not just the health and well-being of millions but also the economic stability and growth of our nation,” he warned.
In light of these developments, Harvard announced in March that it would implement a hiring freeze, citing “substantial financial uncertainties driven by rapidly shifting federal policies.” The university reported receiving $686 million in federal funding in 2024, which represents its largest source of research support.
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