The U.S. Education Department announced on Monday that Harvard University will not get any new federal government grants until it meets certain demands from President Trump’s administration. In a letter to Harvard’s president, the department explained this decision, which escalates a conflict between the university and the government. Previously, the government had already frozen $2.2 billion in funding for Harvard and is looking to take away its tax-exempt status.
An official from the Education Department said that Harvard must show it is well-managed and meet government requirements. This new rule only affects federal research grants and not the financial aid that helps students pay for their education.
The official, speaking anonymously, stated that Harvard has serious problems, like allowing antisemitism and racism to continue and not providing a variety of viewpoints on campus. This means Harvard needs to negotiate with the federal government and prove it has addressed these issues.
The Trump administration is asking Harvard to make significant changes in its leadership and admissions, and to check its faculty and students to make sure a range of views is represented. This is part of a larger effort affecting other universities like Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania, urging them to align with Trump’s views.
The White House has highlighted the need to tackle campus antisemitism, especially after pro-Palestinian protests last year, and expresses concerns about transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. The administration is also worried about freedom of speech and thought on campus.
In a letter to Harvard’s president, Education Secretary Linda McMahon criticized the university for accepting foreign students who disrespect the U.S. “Harvard has made a mockery of our education system,” she said. Harvard’s president has stated he won’t give in to these demands, and the university has already filed a lawsuit to challenge the funding freeze.
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