In the United States, the Trump administration has barred Harvard University from receiving new federal grants, intensifying its clash with the Ivy League school over allegations of antisemitism, political bias, and mismanagement.
The move freezes billions of dollars in future research grants and other aid to the prestigious institution. In a letter to Harvard yesterday, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the university will not receive new grants until it proves it can manage them responsibly.
Harvard University, in its statement, said that it will continue to defend against illegal government overreach aimed at stifling research and innovation that make Americans safer and more secure. The administration of US President Donald Trump has cracked down on several US universities, including Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University, criticising their diversity programs and claiming they are not doing enough to stop antisemitism on campuses.
Protests rocked universities across the US last year, with students calling on educational institutions to divest from Israel due to the ongoing war in Gaza.