Harvard University rejects Trump administration's demands amidst antisemitism controversy

A recent report indicates that a letter dated April 11, under the alleged jurisdiction of the White House task force on antisemitism, and addressed to Harvard University, was "unauthorized" and did not intended for public release. The letter, written by Sean Keveney, acting general counsel for the Department of Health and Human Services, called for sweeping reforms in Harvard's hiring practices, admissions policy, and curriculum.

Harvard refuses to comply with demands

In spite of the controversy surrounding the letter, Harvard University has announced that it will refuse to meet the demands that the Trump administration has made. The university faces the prospect of losing close to $9 billion in federal funds if it does not adhere to the requirements from the administration.

Aggressive tone and blanket demands

The confrontational nature of the letter and the blanket led Harvard to assume that concessions aren't on the way. The list of demands includes reforms in leadership, "merit-based" admissions and hiring practices, and the assessment of the student population, the faculty, and the leadership according to how they feel about diversity.

Prohibition on face masks and student organizations

The letter also demands a ban on wearing face masks, which is viewed as a means to suppress pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. It also calls for Harvard to revoke any recognition or funding from student groups sponsoring or encouraging illegal activity, violence, or harassment. 

Pressure on ivy league schools

Harvard is not the only Ivy League institution to come under pressure from the Trump administration. The administration has suspended federal funding of the University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, and Princeton University. The Harvard letter is similar to one that compelled Columbia University to reform under threat of losing billions of federal dollars.