BS EDIT: Harvard Defies Trump: A Stand for Academic Freedom

By Business StandardPublished On Apr 16, 2025

Harvard takes a stand

Harvard rejects Trump’s federal demands, invoking First Amendment protections

A clash over diversity and inclusion

The Trump administration demanded changes to DEI initiatives and faculty influence, but Harvard refused to comply

$2.2 billion in federal grants frozen

The administration retaliated with a freeze on federal funds, threatening more

Harvard’s independence

With a $53.2 billion endowment, Harvard stands firm, unlike Columbia, which complied with the government’s demands

Will others follow Harvard?

Other universities may struggle to replicate Harvard’s resistance, given dwindling donor support

Trump’s broader attack on academia

Trump’s policies undermine academic freedom and US soft power, weakening innovation in key sectors