[Source/Observation Network by Yao Yunqi] "Harvard University should not involve itself in politics, but if an institution like Harvard cannot resist tyranny, then who can?"

Recently, the confrontation between US President Trump and Harvard has escalated. On April 16th local time, former US Treasury Secretary and former Harvard University President Summers told Bloomberg Television this way.

It is reported that Harvard University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. It is the oldest and wealthiest university in the United States. The school has $53 billion in donations.

On April 16th local time, Summers was interviewed by Bloomberg Television. Screenshot from Bloomberg video.

According to Bloomberg, on April 16th local time, Summers criticized Trump's increasingly intensified attacks on Harvard University during an interview with Bloomberg Television. He described the government's decision to freeze a $2.2 billion multi-year grant to Harvard earlier this week as "grossly illegal" and issued a warning about the "tyranny" of the American government.

Summers pointed out that what Harvard is experiencing is not isolated, but part of a broader, comprehensive action aimed at suppressing institutions challenging the presidential administration.

Summers said that Harvard still needs to do more work to combat anti-Semitism and expand academic diversity, but he appreciates Harvard's efforts to counter Trump.

Earlier on the morning of April 15th, Trump threatened to tax Harvard as a political entity and revoke its tax-exempt status.

"Universities have made some very serious mistakes. Yes, they should be under pressure, and the pressure should continue to increase to change this situation," Summers said on April 16th local time. "For the US President to call for changing the tax identity of his opponent is unprecedented. I think it is authoritarianism and a serious challenge to our democracy."

He expressed hope that Harvard University could find ways to maintain important research despite the reduction in federal funding.

He also warned that prolonged confrontation between universities and the Trump administration would cause lasting damage. "If the American government goes to war with our excellent universities, it means that scientific progress that makes America the envy of the world will sharply decrease. This means the end of efforts to cure diseases such as cancer and diabetes, and it means significant risks to our national security because one of our important national assets is our innovation capability."

On April 16th local time, Trump accused Harvard of hiring "radical left-wing" faculty members, calling the university "no longer considered a decent place to study." Trump believes that Harvard should no longer receive federal funds.

Previously, the Trump administration sent a letter to Harvard University, requiring the school to carry out extensive management and leadership reforms, implement a "merit-based" admission and employment policy, and review the "viewpoint diversity" of its research institutions, faculty members, and leadership. During this period, Harvard needed to share all recruitment data and admission data with the Trump administration. According to AP reports, the Trump administration also required Harvard to ban students from wearing masks, seemingly targeting pro-Palestinian protesters on campus.

On the 14th, Harvard rejected the "rectification" requirements proposed by the Trump administration. University President Alan Garber stated that any government—regardless of which party is in power—should not dictate what courses private universities can teach, which students they can admit and hire, or which areas of exploration and research they can engage in.

According to Bloomberg, Democrats in Massachusetts quickly expressed support for Harvard.

Harvard alumnus and Democratic Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts wrote on social media: "The courage of Harvard's leaders to oppose modern tyrants is a good thing."

Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts and former captain of the Harvard basketball team, and Elizabeth Warren, Senator of Massachusetts and former professor at Harvard Law School, also celebrated Harvard University's decision to counterattack.

This article is an exclusive article by Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7494096372228997643/

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