The Trump administration is said to be planning to cut an extra $1 billion in spending that has been earmarked for health research at Harvard University, heightening tensions with the Ivy League school over its refusal to comply with a set of federal demands.
According to The Wall Street Journal, former President Donald Trump was especially angered by Harvard's decision to make public a government letter about attempts to fight antisemitism on campus.
This planned cut is in addition to an already-announced $2.2 billion funding cut and a freeze on $60 million of long-term contract value. In another possible blow to the university, Trump has also threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status—a step that could lead to yearly losses of millions.
As reported by the WSJ, citing officials, "The administration was set to treat Harvard more favorably than Columbia University, but now officials want to put even more pressure on the country's most prestigious university."
Columbia University was one of the first targets of the administration's campaign, and it acceded to multiple federal requests after being threatened with the loss of $400 million in federal funding.
TRUMP'S PRESSURE CAMPAIGN AGAINST HARVARD
Originally, the administration had expected Harvard to acquiesce to such conditions, which involved reforms in hiring procedures, admissions policies, and classroom teaching, all aimed at meeting concerns over antisemitism. Further conditions allegedly demanded a prohibition on face masks on campus and the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
But Harvard held firm. In releasing the April 11 letter from the federal government, university president Alan Garber sent a message that the institution would not acquiesce. "We will not sacrifice its independence," he declared, nor would the university "surrender its constitutional rights."
The WSJ reported, citing sources within Harvard, that there had been "no agreement" to keep the letter confidential. The university also rejected the letter's demands—such as letting federal authorities have oversight of hiring and admissions—as a "non-starter."
Interestingly, according to a New York Times report, the letter may have been sent to Harvard "by mistake" and was never officially approved for delivery.
In spite of the standoff, Harvard's position seems to have mobilized financial backing. In the 24 hours following Garber's public refusal to give in to Trump's demands, the university is said to have received 4,000 gifts for $1.14 million from alumni and others.
Read also| Putin Declares Unexpected 'Easter Truce,' Halts Russian Attacks on Ukraine Until Monday
