President Trump escalated his conflict with Harvard University by threatening to revoke its tax-exempt status after the university refused his demands to end its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Harvard's President, Alan M. Garber, affirmed the institution's commitment to academic independence and criticized government overreach regarding educational content and hiring practices. Trump retaliated by announcing the freezing of significant funding to Harvard, while former President Obama commended Harvard for opposing these government pressures and upholding academic freedom. The situation raises significant questions about the balance between governmental influence and educational independence.
No government regardless of which party is in power should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue, Harvard President Alan M. Garber said in a statement.
Trump punished the university for defying his demands by announcing the government would freeze $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and $60 million in multi-year contract value.
Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom, while taking concrete steps to make sure all students at Harvard can benefit from an environment of intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate and mutual respect.
#harvard-university #trump-administration #academic-freedom #diversity-and-inclusion #education-policy
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