Harvard, the nation's oldest and arguably most prestigious university, has long been seen as a pillar of American academia, an “ivory tower” where future members of the ruling class are shaped. Yet, even institutions with that level of historical gravitas are not immune to today’s culture wars.
Harvard's current president, Alan Garber, who is a Jew himself , had assumed office after his predecessor, Ms. Gay, was ousted following accusations of antisemitism and was reportedly pushed out by wealthy university donors. In a letter to the Harvard community released Monday, Mr. Garber took a bold stance:
“The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights. No government, regardless of which party is in power, should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue.”
This controversy isn't isolated. Antisemitism on college campuses has become a growing concern, particularly among elite institutions. When Barnard College, affiliated with Columbia University, was the site of a high-profile protest, the federal response was swift. The administration withheld $400 million and presented a list of compliance measures, essentially saying, “Do five or eight things if you want it back.” Those negotiations are ongoing.
Harvard, however, was less cooperative. When asked to revise its curriculum, address campus antisemitism, and comply with new federal regulations, the university stood firm. In response, the administration froze $2.5 billion in funding.
This trend, using federal dollars as a fine leverage, has become a common tactic in dealing with dissent from major universities. The question now is: How much spine do these institutions really have? Will they bow to financial pressures, or will they prioritize their autonomy and values?
It's also worth noting the political backdrop of this era. Several mega-donors to Trump’s 2024 campaign, including Miriam Adelson (widow of casino mogul Sheldon Adelson), are known for their strong support of Israel. According to public records, she had single-handedly donated $100million to the Trump campaign. That influence may play a role in the administration’s hardline approach.
Where this ends remains uncertain. But if Harvard, which is older than the Republic itself, can stand its ground and say "No," the moral and symbolic value of that stance could resonate far beyond the gates of academia. It may not just be about money at this point. Yes, $2.5 billion is substantial, but Harvard, with its $53 billion in endowments, can afford to weather the storm while maintaining its dignity and values.
We will have to wait and see. But one thing is certain: this clash between federal power and academic independence is a moment worth watching.
Until next time, be safe as I remain your pal,
Ronnie Law
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