Harvard University has refused to comply with the Trump administration’s demands – pertaining largely to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) reform – risking major funding cuts.

The Details: The Trump administration sent Harvard a list of demands Friday, including the elimination of DEI programs and a crackdown on student protesters. If Harvard does not comply, it risks losing nearly $9 billion in federal funding. Hours after the rejection, the Trump administration froze over $2 billion. 

Key Quote: “The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights… 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 Garber stated Monday. 

For Context: The probe into Harvard’s funding officially began in late March in an effort to eliminate the university’s alleged antisemitism, though the demands are not limited to that singular issue. Other Ivy League schools have recently faced similar requirements under President Donald Trump, with Columbia University’s funding notably in flux as well. 

How The Media Covered It: The Independent (Lean Left bias) emphasized Harvard’s claims of autonomy infringement by the Trump administration and other alleged faults of the demands. It also highlighted the school’s efforts to address antisemitism, as did The Hill (Center). The Daily Caller (Right) gave voice to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. It also put forth a more critical view of Harvard’s decision, emphasizing the Trump administration’s efforts to combat antisemitism. 

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