The US government has frozen over $2.2 billion in funding for Harvard University following the university’s refusal to comply with demands from the Trump administration aimed at curbing protests on campus. Harvard President Alan Garber denounced the government’s attempts to control the university community, accusing the administration of targeting individuals based on their ideological views.

The administration’s demands, which include auditing the student body, faculty, and staff for viewpoint diversity, have raised concerns about free speech and discrimination. The government also called for the immediate termination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and initiatives, as well as restrictions on international students deemed hostile to American values.

Former President Barack Obama praised Harvard for standing against the government’s attempts to stifle academic freedom and emphasized the importance of maintaining an environment of intellectual inquiry and mutual respect. In response, Garber asserted that no government should dictate what private universities teach or whom they admit, highlighting Harvard’s efforts to address antisemitism.

Harvard’s defiance in the face of government pressure aligns with similar actions taken by other Ivy League institutions, such as Columbia University, amidst threats of funding cuts. The university’s legal team has emphasized its commitment to combating bigotry while defending its academic freedoms against what they perceive as overreach by the administration.