The U.S. Department of Education has informed Harvard University of a freeze on future research grants and aid until the university addresses specific demands from the Trump administration.
The big picture: U.S. Education Department Secretary Linda McMahon outlined several concerns in a letter to Harvard, including issues related to antisemitism on campus, the university’s consideration of a student’s race in school policies, and alleged deviation from the pursuit of “academic excellence” by employing relatively few conservative faculty members.
- The letter explicitly stated that Harvard should no longer seek grants from the federal government given the freeze on funding.
- The administration has specifically targeted Harvard over allegations of antisemitism during pro-Palestinian protests, which were triggered by events including Israel’s military assault on Gaza following an attack by Palestinian Hamas militants.
The other side: In response to the administration’s demands, Harvard has rejected them, characterizing them as an infringement on free speech and academic freedom.
- The university has emphasized the potential real-life impact of the funding cuts on patients, students, faculty, staff, and researchers, especially in the context of medical and scientific research. Additionally, Harvard has highlighted the overreaching nature of the administration’s demands and their potential impact on the university’s autonomy.
