Harvard does not agree with the Trump administration’s demands

Harvard University has not complied with the federal government’s demands for anti-Semitic laws: 15 months after the Trump administration

Harvard University has refused the demands from the Trump administration that it eliminate its diversity, equity and inclusion programs and change its admissions and hiring practices. $9 billion of federal funding for the university is at stake.

“Harvard’s statement today reinforces the troubling entitlement mindset that is endemic in our nation’s most prestigious universities and colleges, that federal investment does not come with the responsibility to uphold civil rights laws.”

In a letter rejecting the government’s demands, Harvard’s lawyers outlined the steps the university has taken in the past 15 months to address antisemitism on its campus.

Major universities are being targeted for alleged violations of civil rights laws in a bid to eliminate DEI programs. Following a year of pro-Palestinian protests on Columbia University’s campus, the administration cut $400 million in federal money for the institution. It also froze about $1 billion in funding for Cornell University and about $790 million for Northwestern University.

University leaders told NPR that it’s been difficult to balance demands from the federal government with attention to students and education.

In March, the federal government said the multi-agency task force was conducting a “comprehensive review” of $9 billion in federal contracts and “multi-year grant commitments” to Harvard.

“Harvard’s failure to protect students on campus from anti-Semitic discrimination – all while promoting divisive ideologies over free inquiry – has put its reputation in serious jeopardy,” wrote U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. Harvard can correct its wrongs and reestablish itself as acampus dedicated to academic excellence and truth seeking, where all students feel safe.

Harvard’s lawyers wrote that the requested changes were in violation of the university’s First Amendment rights and exceeded the legal limits of the government’s authority to enforce civil rights laws

Hours after Harvard’s lawyers sent a formal rejection of the administration’s demands, the government’s Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism responded:

The Times reports that the lack of public support in universities is a legacy of failures of collaboration, innovation, and leadership in the 21st century

“The disruption of learning that has plagued campuses in recent years is unacceptable,” the statement continued. It is time for elite universities to commit to change and stop receiving taxpayer support.

A Harvard spokesman referred to the letter which noted that the government’s retreat from partnerships now risks the health and well-being of millions of individuals.