There have been concerns about the Trump Administration attempting to take control of private universities in an effort to make them surrender their independence. This situation seems unusual, especially considering that many individuals with higher education are among the most vocal opponents of Trump’s actions. However, this opposition stems from the understanding that a significant number of those attending these institutions are often more knowledgeable than the entire government combined, so they refuse to relinquish their constitutional rights. Think about all those schools in Massachusetts.
Harvard University in Massachusetts has an incredibly long history. It’s more than a century older than the United States as a whole, having been established in 1636. In standing with this decision, the university is risking nearly $9 billion in research funding provided by the federal government. However, this would be in exchange for audits of academic programs and changes to various hiring practices.
The Trump Administration’s actions are part of a broader campaign to numb higher education institutions to view ideologies in the government’s frame of lens. So, issues concerning things like diversity, equity, DEI programs, and antisemitism are likely to be targeted in favor of Trump. The university’s refusal to comply has led to over $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts being frozen. At least the university knows where its morals lie.
“Thank you for standing up to fascism.”
Political demands of this magnitude are why the left genuinely believes that academic freedoms are being actively undermined. Harvard’s stance has sparked a debate on the role of government in higher education. At the end of the day, it’s important to maintain these institutions’ autonomy.
While Massachusetts University continues to relent, other universities are likely thinking of ways to evaluate their own situations should the government try to attack them as well. Harvard University just happens to be one of the most well-known schools in the country. So, it’s able to make a bigger scene than most other schools that probably can’t afford not to give up their freedoms.
