[Text/Observer Network Wang Yi] Local time on April 14, Harvard University refused the "rectification" requirements proposed by the Trump administration, risking the cancellation of $9 billion in federal contracts and grants. The New York Times pointed out that this made Harvard the first university to directly refuse the requirements of the Trump administration, and the wealthiest university in America was taking a stand against the federal government.

Reports said that other universities were also countering the Trump administration's intervention in higher education, but Harvard University stated in its response that the requirements from the Trump administration were illegal, marking a significant shift in tone for this most influential school in America.

Harvard University President Alan Garber wrote in a statement on April 14 that the government's instructions exceeded the powers of the federal government. They violated the rights granted to Harvard University by the First Amendment of the Constitution and went beyond the statutory authority granted to the government under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Trump administration sent a letter to Harvard University on April 11, requiring the university to conduct extensive management and leadership reforms, implement an "merit-based admission" policy, and review the "viewpoint diversity" of its research institutions, faculty, and leadership. During this period, Harvard University needed to share all recruitment data and admission data with the Trump administration. The Associated Press reported on April 15 that the Trump administration also required Harvard to ban students from wearing masks, seemingly targeting pro-Palestinian protesters on campus.

Garber stated that no government, regardless of which political party is in power, should dictate what courses private universities can teach, which students they can admit and hire, or which fields they can explore and research.

Letter from Harvard University President Alan Garber to students and faculty - Harvard University website

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer considered Harvard's resistance "correct." Schumer responded to the Associated Press, stating, "The Trump administration has made unprecedented demands on universities aimed at undermining or even destroying these vital institutions. Universities must step up efforts to combat anti-Semitism on campus, but the government should not use this as an excuse to launch broad, unlawful attacks on these institutions."

However, Elise Stefanick, a Harvard University graduate and Republican member of the New York State Congress, called for halting funding to Harvard University. Stefanick had questioned the presidents of various universities about campus "anti-Semitism actions" in a series of House hearings. In her statement, she criticized Harvard University as a symbol of moral and academic corruption in higher education.

The Department of Education spokesperson did not respond to the Associated Press' request for comment. A White House spokesperson responded to CNN, stating, "President Trump is working to end uncontrolled anti-Semitism and ensure that federal taxpayer money does not fund Harvard's support for dangerous racial discrimination or violence, making higher education great again," "According to the law, Harvard or any institution wishing to violate Title VI is not eligible for federal funding."

Harvard University is one of several Ivy League schools targeted by the Trump administration in its crackdown on campus "anti-Semitism actions" and "culture wars." The New York Times reported that since taking office in January, the Trump administration has strongly cracked down on universities, investigating dozens of schools to eliminate their diversity initiatives and rampant anti-Semitism on campus. To force universities to comply with their agenda, the Trump administration suspended federal funding for the University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, and Princeton University.

In last month's graduation ceremony, a Harvard University graduate raised the Palestinian flag. Visual China

Last month, after the Trump administration cut $400 million in federal contracts and grants to Columbia University, it agreed to implement mask mandates, strictly review academic and admission policies, introduce new disciplinary procedures, and immediately review its Middle Eastern studies courses.

The New York Times reported that the Trump administration's demands on Harvard were more extensive, involving many aspects of the university's basic operations, effectively reshaping Harvard University and transferring unprecedented operational control of the university to the federal government. These reforms would violate principles cherished in university campuses, such as academic freedom.

"The demands of the U.S. president on universities are akin to dictatorship," Harvard University professor Nicholas Bowie told CNN, telling the university if it wanted to retain this money, it must suppress speech, change our teaching content and learning methods, which infringes on the rights of universities and faculty granted by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Harvard University responded on April 14, stating that they had made significant changes over the past 15 months to improve campus atmosphere and combat anti-Semitism, but unfortunately, the government ignored the school's efforts and instead illegally infringed on the university's freedoms.

The New York Times reported that due to a series of "accommodating Trump" measures, some American universities, including Harvard University, have been criticized in recent months. However, Harvard University's tough stance on April 14 was praised across the educational community.

Last week, a faculty group at Harvard University filed a lawsuit attempting to block the Trump administration from carrying out its threat to withdraw federal funds. Nicholas Bowie, who participated in the lawsuit, praised Harvard's rejection attitude on April 14, saying, "I thank President Garber for his courage and leadership; his response shows that extortion is non-negotiable."

Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, said that Harvard University's approach might encourage other university leaders to "relax."

"This gives people a sense of possibility," Mitchell said. "It gives others the opportunity to speak out, partly because if Harvard doesn't do this, it's essentially telling others, 'You don't have a chance.'"

Mitchell described Harvard University's response as a "roadmap guiding institutions on how to oppose government interference in school decisions," stating, "Whether it's anti-Semitism, merit-based admissions, or academic structure, the fundamental framework of academic endeavors should be determined by universities, not the government."

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