President Trump last year initiated a series of actions targeting American universities, centering on their handling of antisemitism during campus protests related to Israel’s war in Gaza. While some institutions acknowledged shortcomings and pledged to address them, others resisted what they characterized as overreach. Harvard University has actively challenged the administration’s actions in court.
Pressure on Higher Education
The administration’s efforts began in January with an executive order focused on combating antisemitism, specifically naming colleges and universities. This was followed by a freeze on federal research grants to institutions accused of violating antidiscrimination laws. The administration has demanded the dismantling of diversity programs and a greater emphasis on merit-based admissions. By freezing billions of dollars in funding to schools like Harvard, Columbia, and Brown, the administration aimed to compel changes in university operations.
The administration also targeted international students, threatening to halt student visa issuance for Harvard, a university with a significant number of foreign enrollees. As a result, new international student enrollment fell by 17% amid uncertainty surrounding visa approvals, according to the Institute of International Education.
Legal Challenges and Financial Impacts
Harvard successfully argued in federal court that the administration’s cuts to research funding were unconstitutional, though that ruling is currently under appeal. The university continues to face investigations and requests for admissions data. Additionally, colleges are now subject to increased taxes on their endowments due to Mr. Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” from July, shifting from a 1.4% excise tax to a tiered system with a top rate of 8%.
Brown, Cornell, Northwestern, and the University of Pennsylvania have also reached agreements with the administration, accepting conditions while maintaining that academic freedom remains intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the administration’s actions against universities?
The administration’s actions were ostensibly prompted by concerns over how universities handled incidents of antisemitism during campus protests related to Israel’s war in Gaza.
Which universities were specifically targeted by the administration?
Harvard, Columbia, and Brown were among the universities that had federal research grants frozen. The administration also threatened to halt student visa issuance for Harvard.
What changes did the administration seek to implement at universities?
The administration demanded the dismantling of diversity programs on campuses and stricter enforcement of merit-based admissions.
As these legal battles and financial pressures continue, it remains to be seen how universities will adapt and what long-term effects these policies will have on the landscape of higher education.
