Barack Obama has denounced the decision to freeze $2.3 b in federal fundinf

In a strong rebuke of the current administration, former President Barack Obama has denounced the decision to freeze $2.3 billion in federal funding for Harvard University, following the institution's refusal to comply with a set of demands from the Trump administration.


Obama commended Harvard, America's oldest university, for serving as a model for other higher education institutions by resisting federal interference in their governance. He expressed his views in a post on X, stating: "Harvard has set an example for other colleges by rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed effort to curtail academic freedom. The university is taking significant steps to ensure that all its students can thrive in an environment characterized by intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate, and mutual respect. We hope other institutions will follow suit." This statement came in response to Harvard's announcement that it would oppose the White House's requests for the university to take action against alleged antisemitism and civil rights abuses. Harvard is the first major university in the U.S. to defy the administration's pressure to modify its policies. In a letter sent to Harvard on Friday, the administration outlined several broad reforms it sought, which included implementing "merit-based" admissions and hiring practices, as well as auditing the viewpoints of its student body and faculty regarding diversity. The administration's demands, which marked a revision from an earlier communication, also included a ban on face masks that seemed aimed at pro-Palestinian protestors, the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs—deemed by the administration as fostering harmful racial stereotypes—and a push for Harvard to cease funding or recognizing student organizations that promote illegal activities or violence.

Additionally, the administration insisted on Harvard's cooperation with federal immigration authorities. In response, Harvard's president stated in a letter that the university would not capitulate to the Trump administration's demands to dismantle its diversity initiatives or restrict student protests in exchange for federal funding. "No government—regardless of which political party is in power—should dictate what private universities can teach, who they can admit or hire, or which academic inquiries they may pursue," Alan Garber, the president of Harvard, noted, emphasizing the university's ongoing efforts to address antisemitism.

In March, the Department of Education disclosed that it had initiated investigations into 60 colleges and universities for purported cases of "anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination." This move followed widespread protests against Israel's military actions in Gaza, which many Republicans labeled as antisemitic. Harvard's firm stance sharply contrasted with Columbia University's approach, which faced similar demands.

Last year, the Trump administration rescinded $400 million in grants to Columbia, claiming it had not adequately protected Jewish students from harassment. The university eventually acquiesced to the administration's requests, agreeing to reform its student disciplinary policies and hire additional security personnel. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to cover this story and other developments in US politics throughout the day.
Guardian
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