More than 100 presidents of universities, universities and academic societies issued a joint statement on Tuesday against the Trump administration's treatment of higher education institutions, and Harvard said the administration shared its speeches after threatening its independence.
The statement was signed by the presidents of institutions such as Princeton, Brown, University of Hawaii and Connecticut State Community College, criticizing what it calls “an unprecedented government over-ditching and political intervention now endanger American higher education.”
“We are willing to carry out constructive reforms and do not object to legitimate government oversight,” the statement said. “But we must oppose improper invasions in the lives of people who study, live and work on our campuses.”
The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the statement.
Tuesday’s joint statement was the latest performance of resistance from U.S. higher education leaders as the Trump administration tries to use its financial focus to overhaul academia.
On April 14, Harvard rejected numerous requests from the government, which is seeking oversight of Harvard student groups, faculty and curriculum in a clear effort to curb what it considers to be a university liberal.
The Trump administration said it would freeze more than $2.2 billion in U.S. grants and $60 million in contracts after the agency said Monday that it did not comply with requirements to limit activism on campus.
Shortly thereafter, the government announced that it would freeze $2.3 billion in U.S. federal funds.
President Donald Trump wants to ensure that taxpayers’ dollar does not support racial discrimination or racially motivated violence, according to a statement by White House spokesman Harrison Fields at the time.
The government also threatens to deprive Harvard of tax-free status and to deprive it of its ability to enroll foreign students.
Harvard on Monday sued the Trump administration for trying to force it to terminate its fund freeze and withdraw funds for its request, accusing the federal government of trying to “overhaul Harvard's governance, control Harvard's faculty recruitment and decide what teachers can teach Harvard students” for reasons.
Harvard said in its lawsuit that the government tried to “coerce and control” the university’s violation of the constitutional protection of speech. It also accuses the government of failing to follow procedures under federal civil rights laws.
Since taking office in January, Republican President Trump has suppressed top U.S. universities, saying they were unfortunately pro-Palestinian protests last year and allowed anti-Semitism to worsen on campus.
His administration also targets universities as other issues such as trans rights and diversity, equity and inclusion programs and threatens to deduct federal funds on these issues.
Columbia University is an early goal, but in recent weeks the government has focused on Harvard.
On April 15, more than 60 past and present universities and university presidents signed an open letter saying they “strongly support” Harvard President Alan Garber rejected the government's request.
