‘Harvard has set an example’: Obama, on varsity’s rejection of federal demands

Former US President Barack Obama on Tuesday (April 15) lauded Harvard University “for setting an example for other higher-ed institutions” in rejecting the Donald Trump administration’s “ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom”.

“Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions – rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom, while taking concrete steps to make sure all students at Harvard can benefit from an environment of intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate and mutual respect. Let’s hope other institutions follow suit,” posted Obama on X.

Freeze on federal grants

The Trump administration has frozen $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts to Harvard University over its refusal to comply with new federal directives.

The funding freeze was imposed after Harvard refused to implement several demands listed out in a directive from the federal government on April 3.

Also Read: US govt freezes $2.2-bn grants to Harvard as varsity refuses to toe the line

The demands included the dismantling of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, changing its hiring and admissions policies, and helping with immigration screening for international students.

The Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism that has suspended the funding said the measures demanded were necessary to make sure that universities used taxpayer funds responsibly and upheld civil rights.

Harvard president rejects ultimatum

Harvard President Alan Gerber said in a public statement, “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. The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.”

Gerber said the Trump administration’s demands would allow the federal government “to control the Harvard community and threaten the school’s values as a private institution devoted to the pursuit of, production, and dissemination of knowledge”.

“These demands are nothing short of authoritarian. He (Trump) is violating the First Amendment rights of universities and faculty,” said Harvard Law School professor Nikolas Bowie.

Also Read: US halts $1 bn in funding for Cornell, $790 mn for Northwestern

Harvard has maintained that federal funding should not be used as leverage to reshape academic values.

While Harvard has refused to capitulate to Trump’s demands, Columbia University gave in, and has restructured its disciplinary processes and increased campus security.

Last year, there were protests by students in several universities and colleges in the US against Israel’s war in Gaza. Trump and other Republicans have accused student activists of supporting Hamas, a US-designated terror group.