Harvard University now finds itself in the eye of a perfect storm over its massive endowment, receipt of federal funding, and academic freedom. For its 2024 fiscal year, Harvard reports an endowment of $53.2 billion. This incredible number will render it the largest endowment of any university on the planet. Despite this unquestionable financial strength, the institution has nonetheless been subject to intense scrutiny. This followed on the heels of it refusing to comply with demands from the Trump administration, which it claims would violate its First Amendment rights.
In a recent letter published online, Harvard President Alan Garber seemed to acknowledge those concerns explicitly raised by students and federal officials alike. He noted the university’s plan to be more transparent in its management of its endowment. He reiterated the university’s commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive and supportive environment for all students. The letter acknowledged disruptions caused by the group Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine (HOOP), which Garber noted had interfered with educational activities on campus.
Harvard’s admission changes haven’t gone far enough, but it has started making visible changes to its admission and hiring policy. These changes are meant to help create a more inclusive academic environment. As of this August, the university will stop using affirmative action in faculty and faculty recruitment. This is a strong step to meet growing demand. It helps promise that students and faculty can be expected to stand for the most basic American values—including the fight against terrorism and struggle against anti-Semitism.
The Trump Administration’s Demands
In a remarkable display of institutional independence, Harvard was the first university to reject demands from the Trump administration regarding its federal funding. The administration was trying to force a requirement to conditions on $2.2 billion federal funds in grants and $60 million in contracts. They warned that they would withhold these funds if Harvard did not shape up. In conclusion, Harvard’s attorneys responded strongly, asserting that the requests violated the university’s constitutional protections.
Garber articulated the university’s stance in his letter, asserting, “The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.” Thousands of public officials and the #PeopleOverAirplanes campaign supported this stance. They praised Harvard for having the courage to resist what they termed authoritarian calls.
“Congratulations to Harvard for refusing to relinquish its constitutional rights to Trump’s authoritarianism,” – Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders)
The reach of the Trump administration’s position goes far beyond Harvard’s own borders. It’s a good sign that the U.S. Department of Education is holding higher education institutions more accountable to uphold civil rights laws. Meanwhile, these institutions are still happily accepting taxpayer-funded federal dollars. The department’s comments did little to mask the astonishment of other critics. They contend that when an institution is in receipt of taxpayer dollars, it needs to operate in the public interest.
Changes in Admissions and Faculty Policies
Although Harvard just lost its case in federal court, it’s busily remaking its admissions process. This decision is one aspect of a larger initiative to build a more welcoming environment on campus. The university has ended affirmative action in hiring and enrollment. Now, it is the one doing the restricting, working to block the acceptance of international students who potentially have radically different views that are incompatible with American ideals.
It’s all against a rising tide of anti-Semitism tensions on college campuses. In response, Harvard has implemented draconian policies to protect themselves against such liability. They seek to rid the school of anyone who would promote terrorism or anti-Semitic sentiments within its student population and teaching staff.
Garber stated that these innovations have made “countless people in our country and throughout the world healthier and safer.” In doing so, we hope to engage Harvard’s deep commitment to civil rights. By making these changes, they will make sure all students have the opportunity to succeed academically while feeling safe from discrimination or harassment.
“Harvard has in recent years failed to live up to both the intellectual and civil rights conditions that justify federal investment,” – U.S. Department of Education
The university is likely to incur significant financial penalties as a result. It is reeling from dropping contributions from billionaire patrons who fear rising anti-Semitism in the town. In 2024, endowment donations fell by $151 million as a number of their most notable benefactors suddenly re-evaluated their commitment to their financial backing.
Commitment to Transparency and Academic Freedom
In an effort to address criticisms and enhance accountability, Harvard has committed to being more transparent with its students regarding how its endowment operates. This first-of-its-kind initiative will help shine a clearer light on how U.S. public financial resources flow and are managed inside the institution.
Harvard’s approach has been a proactive one that involves being candid about how external pressures have shaped the campus academic environment. Garber emphasized that organizations such as HOOP have halted important educational work. In closing, he emphasized the importance of fostering a collegial environment to promote productive learning and dialogue.
“The majority represent direct governmental regulation of the ‘intellectual conditions’ at Harvard,” – Alan Garber (Harvard President)
Despite these hurdles, hundreds of us advocates for academic freedom have fought back. They are supporting Harvard’s refusal to give in to politically motivated government demands that erode colleges and universities’ independence. Former President Barack Obama highlighted Harvard’s leadership in this regard, stating that it has “set an example for other higher-ed institutions” by rejecting attempts to stifle academic freedom.
Harvard’s commitment to protecting student rights and promoting intellectual inquiry has been shaky, at best. With the conversations surrounding federal funding ongoing, the university is committed to that mission now more than ever. In doing so, it reasserts its status as a beacon of higher education in an era of rising societal issues and inequity.
