BOSTON โ Amid mounting tensions with the U.S. Department of Education, Harvard University firmly addressed concerns and reiterated its core values while outlining recent reforms. Harvard announced its commitment to maintaining โcore, legally-protected principlesโ in the face of potential federal funding halts.
In an official communication, Harvard President Alan Garber explained that the university had implemented significant leadership and governance changes over the past 18 months. A notable update includes a comprehensive strategy aimed at combating antisemitism and other forms of discrimination.
This response comes after the Department of Education threatened to freeze federal grants to the university, escalating ongoing tensions with the current administration. Previously, the administration had paused $2.2 billion in grants designated for Harvard, with discussions continuing about the institutionโs tax-exempt status.
Garber expressed concern that federal actions could undermine Harvardโs ongoing reform efforts. He emphasized the universityโs adherence to constitutional freedoms and compliance with legal requirements, thereby resisting federal pressures that may infringe upon its autonomy.
โAs part of our commitment to uphold the law and our own values, we are undertaking necessary reforms,โ Garber stated. โThese are being done through stakeholder consultations and in accordance with legal mandates. However, Harvard will not compromise its core, legally-protected principles due to unjust federal retaliation.โ
There was no immediate response from the Department of Education regarding Harvardโs statements.
In a recent briefing, a Department of Education representative, speaking anonymously, criticized Harvard for โserious failuresโ in addressing antisemitism and racial issues. Furthermore, the official claimed that Harvard has neglected academic rigor and suppressed diverse viewpoints.
To be eligible for future federal grants, Harvard must undergo negotiations with the government and demonstrate compliance with set requirements.
This is part of a broader campaign affecting several high-profile universities, including Columbia, the University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell. The administration aims to ensure these institutions align with its educational agenda.
The campaign follows recent pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. campuses and addresses issues like the participation of transgender athletes in womenโs sports. Critics of President Trumpโs policies have accused the focus on campus protests and inclusion efforts of undermining free speech and diversity of thought.
Harvard has responded with a federal lawsuit challenging the administrationโs requirements, setting the stage for a significant legal confrontation over university autonomy.
In his letter, Garber disputed allegations from the Department of Education, reiterating that Harvardโs admissions are based purely on academic merit without any racial or ideological biases. He also refuted claims of political partisanship and highlighted that there was no evidence suggesting international students were more likely to engage in misconduct.