Federal contracts and grants under scrutiny
The US government has announced a review of $9 billion in funding allocated to Harvard University over allegations of anti-Semitism on campus. This follows a similar move against Columbia University, where federal funding was reduced amid pro-Palestinian student protests.
President Donald Trump has intensified efforts against elite universities that have witnessed heated demonstrations over Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. His administration has not only cut funding but has also directed immigration authorities to deport foreign student protesters, including green card holders.
Officials are set to examine $255.6 million in contracts between Harvard and the federal government, along with $8.7 billion in multi-year grants, according to a statement from the General Services Administration.
Debate over the funding review
Critics have accused the Trump administration of using these measures as retaliation, warning that they could suppress free speech on college campuses. Meanwhile, supporters argue that these actions are necessary to restore order and ensure Jewish students’ safety.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated, “Harvard’s failure to protect students on campus from anti-Semitic discrimination — all while promoting divisive ideologies over free inquiry — has put its reputation in serious jeopardy.”
She added, “Harvard can right these wrongs and restore itself to a campus dedicated to academic excellence and truth-seeking, where all students feel safe on its campus.”
Harvard’s response
In response, Harvard President Alan Garner warned that the potential funding cuts would have severe consequences.
“If this funding is stopped, it will halt life-saving research and imperil important scientific research and innovation,” he said.
Garner acknowledged that the government was considering these measures due to concerns that Harvard had not done enough to combat anti-Semitism. However, he pushed back against this characterization, stating that the university had “strengthened our rules and our approach to disciplining those who violate them” over the past 15 months.
Trump administration’s actions against Columbia University
Trump has also targeted Columbia University, initially reviewing $400 million in funding and detaining a graduate student involved in protests for deportation. His administration has also sought the arrest of other protesters.
In response to federal pressure, Columbia implemented several policy changes, including redefining anti-Semitism, increasing the policing of protests, and placing certain academic departments under heightened oversight.
However, Columbia did not fully comply with all of the Trump administration’s demands, though officials welcomed the university’s concessions.
Monday’s official statement noted, “Today’s actions by the Task Force follow a similar ongoing review of Columbia University. That review led to Columbia agreeing to comply with nine preconditions for further negotiations regarding a return of canceled federal funds.”