Harvard Rejects Trump's $9 Billion Funding Demands

Harvard University has firmly rejected demands from the Trump administration, which threatened to withdraw $9 billion in federal funding unless the university made significant changes, including curtailing its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. In a letter to the Department of Education, Harvard emphasized its commitment to independence and constitutional rights, stating it would not allow the government to dictate its educational policies. President Alan Garber asserted that no administration should control private universities' curricula or hiring practices. While Harvard acknowledges the importance of combating antisemitism, it believes that the government's demands primarily represent overreach into its academic freedoms. The university is currently pausing hiring in anticipation of potential cuts to federal funding that could affect various research initiatives. This situation reflects broader tensions between the administration and higher education institutions regarding academic autonomy and funding.