Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts for Harvard University due to non-compliance with new federal policy demands.
- Harvard publicly rejected the administration’s demands, asserting it would not compromise its independence or constitutional rights.
- The federal task force had sent a letter outlining conditions to maintain Harvard’s financial relationship with the government.
- Harvard President Alan M. Garber confirmed the university would not accept the proposed agreement.
- Among the administration’s demands were eliminating DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs, banning masks at protests, and implementing merit-based admissions.
- Other mandates included reducing the influence of faculty perceived as activist rather than academic.
- The funding freeze is linked to a broader federal effort to combat antisemitism on college campuses, especially following the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- A White House spokesperson stated that the measures aim to “Make Higher Education Great Again” and stop federal funds from supporting discrimination or violence.
- Harvard emphasized that the demands amounted to direct governmental control over academic freedom and policy.
- Despite the funding threat, Harvard stands firm, citing its $53.2 billion endowment (as of 2024) and its commitment to academic autonomy.