Students rally at Harvard in opposition to his administration's proposed policies. - Demonstrating students at Harvard University express disapproval towards proposed federal policies by the American government.
Harvard Students Protest Against Government's Funding Cuts
Students at Harvard University expressed their concerns on Tuesday, holding protests against potential federal funding cuts. Alice Goyer, one of the protesters, told news agency AFP that she felt it was her duty to stand up for her international friends, fellow students, professors, and researchers, who were "in danger and threatened with deportation or faced the option to transfer to another university."
In a statement on Tuesday, a high-ranking U.S. official announced the government's intention to direct federal agencies to cancel existing contracts with Harvard. If implemented, this move could result in the loss of around $100 million in federal funds, equivalent to roughly €88 million. The official did not specify whether the decision had already been made or was yet to be finalized.
Recent reports suggest that President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to cut a total of $3 billion (over $2.6 billion) from Harvard's funding, which may be redirected to trade schools across the country. Trump has accused Harvard of being an "antisemitic, left-wing institution," citing pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus since the start of the Gaza war in 2023, as well as its refusal to comply with government demands to eliminate diversity programs and vet its students.
The U.S. government has also banned the university from accepting new international students as of May 22, which constituted approximately 27% of Harvard's student body. Despite this ban, a federal judge later overturned the decision in an emergency ruling on May 23. However, it remains unclear whether the Trump administration will adhere to this ruling.
Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt criticized Harvard in an interview with "Fox News," stating that public funds would be better spent on vocational schools rather than Harvard. Leavitt argued that taxpayer money should be allocated to institutions that promote "American values" and educate students with skills suited to the country's economy and society.
Harvard, one of the world's wealthiest universities, with an estimated net worth of around $53 billion, primarily from donations, has faced increased scrutiny under the Trump administration due to its foreign ties and perceived left-wing leanings. In recent years, the university has received criticism for its handling of foreign funding and its refusal to comply with government demands on diversity programs and student vetting.
The dispute between Harvard and the federal government will be further scrutinized during a case hearing on Thursday. This hearing will likely shed light on the future of federal funding for this prestigious institution and potentially other universities with similar political or foreign ties.
- 'Harvard, under scrutiny due to its foreign ties and perceived left-leanings, faces a potential loss of $100 million in federal funds under President Donald Trump's plans to redirect funding to trade schools across the US.'
- 'Students at Harvard, including Alice Goyer, are voicing their concerns about the potential impact of federal funding cuts, protesting against the US government's intentions to direct federal agencies to cancel existing contracts with the university.'
- 'In addition to the funding cuts, the US government's ban on accepting new international students has raised concerns among students, prompting general news coverage and discussions on education, politics, and learning, within the context of war and conflicts.'
