The University of Harvard has stated that it will not comply with demands from the Trump administration to dictate what private universities can teach and which areas of study they can pursue. According to Harvard President Alan Garber, this decision is “unmoored from the law” and threatens the university’s independence.
Harvard is home to world-class medical, scientific, and technological research that has been supported by the federal government for decades. The university’s research generates significant societal benefits, with over one-third of its studies funded directly by the University itself.
However, the Trump administration claims that Harvard has not fulfilled its obligations to curb and combat antisemitic harassment on campus. In response, Harvard has strengthened its rules and approach to disciplining violators, enhanced training and education on antisemitism, and introduced measures to support its Jewish community.
The university asserts that curbing research funding will only undermine its efforts to address antisemitism and instead jeopardize lifesaving cures and work essential for the nation’s economic and defense security. Harvard President Garber stated that “This is weakening the United States.”
The University has refused to surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights, citing that this decision is unwarranted and unmoored from the law.
Source: https://www.harvard.edu/research-funding