Trump Freezes $2.2 Billion in Harvard Funding Over Compliance Dispute

The Trump administration has frozen $2.2 billion in funding to Harvard University after it refused to comply with a series of demands aimed at addressing antisemitism on campus. The White House's demands include altering admission criteria, imposing diversity measures overseen by third parties, and limiting faculty autonomy, which Harvard has deemed a violation of its First Amendment rights. The Department of Education criticized the university for not taking campus antisemitism seriously and stated that federal funding comes with the responsibility to uphold civil rights laws. Harvard's new president, Alan Garber, reaffirmed the institution's commitment to its independence and academic freedom, asserting that no government should dictate university policies. The conflict highlights a broader tension between governmental authority and academic freedom, particularly in politically charged environments. As the situation unfolds, the integrity of academic institutions remains a pivotal issue amidst external pressures.