Trump Administration Demands Sweeping Reforms from Harvard University

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The Trump administration outlined a series of sweeping reforms it demands from Harvard University in a letter received by the institution on April 3, just days after threatening a funding cut. Among the nine specific demands are the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, a broad ban on mask mandates, merit-based admissions and hiring practices that disregard race or national origin, and enhanced oversight over what the administration terms “biased programs that fuel anti-Semitism.”

The correspondence, sent to Harvard President Alan Garber and Penny Pritzker, a prominent member of the Harvard Corporation, emphasizes that it is the federal government’s responsibility to ensure that all recipients of federal funds act as responsible stewards of taxpayer money. “It is the responsibility of the federal government to ensure that all recipients are responsible stewards of taxpayer funds,” the letter states, as seen by Bloomberg News.

Harvard has confirmed receipt of the letter, although it has not publicly commented on its contents. The demands coincide with a broader initiative by the U.S. government to implement significant changes at some of the country’s leading colleges, particularly in the wake of pro-Palestinian protests ignited by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel and subsequent military actions in Gaza.

The push for reform has raised concerns among faculty and students regarding the implications for free speech and academic freedom, with fears that it could adversely affect vital scientific research. Despite its substantial endowment of $53 billion, the financial repercussions of these demands could be significant for Harvard. In a statement following an initial review announcement on March 31, Professor Garber remarked, “A funding stoppage would halt life-saving research and imperil important scientific research and innovation.”

He acknowledged the importance of combating anti-Semitism on campus, noting his own experiences with it as the university leader. Furthermore, the letter outlines a sense of urgency from the government regarding the changes deemed necessary for Harvard to remain a responsible recipient of federal funds.

The administration’s ultimatum to Harvard marks an escalation in a pressure campaign targeting several American universities, particularly Ivy League schools, citing concerns over anti-Semitism and campus diversity initiatives. Previous demands, similar to those directed at Harvard, have been made to Columbia University, which agreed to implement a set of reforms to restore federally allocated funding.

Columbia’s reforms included a ban on mask mandates, expanded police powers on campus, and a review of its Middle East, South Asian, and African Studies programs. The Trump administration has likewise imposed actions against Princeton University and suspended $175 million in federal support for the University of Pennsylvania, partially due to controversies surrounding a transgender athlete’s competition in women’s sports.

As pressure mounts, the administration is particularly concerned about Brown University, already facing financial strains, which has begun accessing its endowment amidst pressures from rising financial aid and staff salaries. Brown has programs that rely heavily on federal research grants.

Conservative activist Christopher Rufo, an influential figure advocating for the reformation of higher education, has suggested targeting Harvard as a crucial part of this campaign.

In response to the climate of rising tensions, Harvard has been increasing disciplinary measures, recently placing the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee on probation after it collaborated with unrecognized groups to co-sponsor a rally that disrupted campus access. The committee is now barred from accessing campus resources until the probation ends on June 30.