"Universities Cannot Be Controlled by the Federal Government"
Harvard University, which is under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to stop funding due to alleged neglect of anti-Semitism, stated on the 14th (local time) that it "will not negotiate over the university's independence or constitutional rights." This clearly expressed its stance to protect academic freedom without yielding to the Trump administration's demands aimed at 'taming the university' by controlling its funding.
Harvard stated in a letter sent to the government, including the Department of Education, that "neither Harvard nor any other private university can allow itself to be controlled by the federal government."
The Trump administration has been cutting federal support to progressive-leaning universities that allow pro-Palestinian protests on campus and implement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania have faced pressure to stop receiving government funding. Harvard is also at risk of having its $9 billion in federal funding and contracts suspended if it does not comply with the government's demands. Previously, U.S. authorities notified the university that they are reviewing whether to continue contracts worth $255.6 million (approximately 380 billion KRW) and grants totaling $8.7 billion (approximately 12.8 trillion KRW) with Harvard.
Harvard President Alan Garber argued, "It is clear that there is no intention to cooperate with us in a collaborative and constructive way to address anti-Semitism," adding, "While some of the government's demands aim to combat anti-Semitism, most represent direct government regulation of Harvard's 'intellectual environment.'"
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