President Donald Trump’s administration has announced freezing the $2.2 billion federal fund allocated to Harvard University. The university had just rejected requests from the White House. The Education Department stated that Harvard’s recent announcement strengthens the troubling mindset of entitlement common in our country’s most prestigious universities.

WHITE HOUSE DEMANDS
Last week, the White House sent Harvard a list of demands designed to combat antisemitism on campus. These demands included changes in hiring practices and admission procedures. Harvard rejected the demands, accusing the White House of attempting to “control” universities.

FIRST UNIVERSITY TO RESIST TRUMP
As a result, the university became the first major U.S. university to resist pressure from the Trump administration to change its policies. The comprehensive changes requested by the White House would have transformed the university’s operations and granted the government significant control.

UNIVERSITY INDEPENDENCE
Harvard University President Alan Garber stated in a letter to the Harvard community on Monday that the White House had sent an “updated and expanded list of demands.” The university was required to comply with the list in order to maintain its “financial relationship” with the government. Garber emphasized that Harvard would not compromise its independence or constitutional rights. Shortly after the letter was sent, the Education Department announced the immediate freezing of the $2.2 billion grant and $60 million in contracts awarded to Harvard.