The administration of US President Donald Trump has halted $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard University, one of the world’s leading educational institutions, following the university’s defiance of government requests regarding campus protests.
In addition to the $2.2 billion in grants, the White House has reportedly frozen an additional $60 million in contracts to Harvard University. This decision follows the school’s refusal to comply with demands to limit campus activism.
“The Joint Task Force to combat anti-Semitism is announcing a freeze on $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and $60 million in multi-year contract value to Harvard University,” the US Department of Health and Human Services stated.
Why did Donald Trump cut Harvard’s funding?
In a letter sent to Harvard last Friday, President Trump’s administration requested extensive government and leadership reforms at the university, along with modifications to its admissions policies aimed at addressing ‘anti-Semitism activities.’
The administration also called for the university to evaluate its diversity views on campus and to cease recognition of certain student organizations.
However, Harvard University rejected a compromise with the Trump administration, asserting that it would not “negotiate over its independence or constitutional rights.”
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In response to Harvard’s resistance to Trump’s demands, the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced a freeze on the university’s grants totaling $2.2 billion.
“Harvard’s statement today underscores the troubling entitlement mindset prevalent in our nation’s elite universities and colleges—that federal investment does not come with the obligation to uphold civil rights laws,” stated the Trump administration.
What are Trump’s demands that Harvard University turned down?
According to the letter, the Trump administration urged Harvard University to implement significant changes, such as adopting “merit-based” admissions and hiring practices; conducting an audit concerning diversity perspectives among students, faculty, and leadership; and enforcing a ban on face masks.
Key demands from Trump:
- Governance and leadership reforms
- Merit-Based Hiring Reform
- Merit-Based Admissions Reform
- International Admissions Reform
- Viewpoint Diversity in Admissions and Hiring
- Reforming Programs with Egregious Antisemitism or Bias
- Discontinuation of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion)
Additionally, it includes immediate measures to halt disruptions or de-platforming, along with a new policy for student groups or clubs that prohibits recognition, funding, or accommodations for groups promoting illegal activities or violent behavior.
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The Trump administration is also advocating for a comprehensive mask ban and strict penalties for violations, with punishments starting at suspension, aimed at investigating and disciplining any rule breaches during the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years.
Rejecting the proposed agreement, Harvard President Alan Garber stated that, while some government requests are focused on combating antisemitism, most represent direct governmental interference in the ‘intellectual climate.’
