Last week, Harvard University confronted new demands from the Trump administration aimed at combating antisemitism. The requests, which included both specific bans and vague stipulations, posed a threat to the university's operations and mission. In a swift response, Harvard leaders met over the weekend and decided to reject the demands, marking a significant defiance against federal pressure on higher education institutions. This decision reflects Harvard's intent to maintain its independence, especially as it witnessed Columbia University's response to similar pressures from the administration.
Late on Friday night, the federal government sent Harvard a five-page fusillade of new demands that would reshape the school's operations, admissions, hiring, faculty and student life.
Harvard's leaders determined that what the government was proposing represented a profound threat to the 388-year-old university's independence and mission.
The decision is the most overt defiance by a university since President Trump began pressuring higher education to conform to his political priorities.
It took less than 72 hours for Harvard to say no.
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