US investigates federal funding for Harvard University

The administration of US President Donald Trump has launched an investigation into anti-Semitism at Harvard University. The process could cost the university up to $9 billion in federal funding.

On Monday, the US Departments of Education, Health and Human Services and the General Services Administration announced that they would review federal contracts and grants awarded to Harvard University and its affiliates. The work is being carried out as part of a joint task force on combating anti-Semitism.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said Harvard's failure to protect students from anti-Semitism is seriously undermining the university's reputation. The administration is considering terminating its contracts with the agencies involved.

The investigation involves $256 million in contracts and $8.7 billion in multi-year grant commitments. The goal is to ensure the university complies with federal regulations and protect civil rights.

Harvard's response and pressure on higher education

Trump and the Republican Party have sharply criticized higher education institutions in the United States. They have criticized the "woke ideology" on universities and are discussing measures such as investigating anti-Semitism and imposing a tax on university funds.

Harvard University has taken a number of measures to combat anti-Semitism. The university has formed a task force, reached a settlement with student complaints about anti-Semitism, fired the head of its Center for Middle Eastern Studies, and severed ties with Birzeit University. It has also committed to publishing an annual report on discrimination and harassment.

The pressure is mounting on elite universities. Columbia University was cut off $400 million in federal grants in March. The decision came after demands that the university change its approach to student protests. The University of Pennsylvania also lost $175 million in funding, a decision that may be related to the university’s decision to allow transgender athletes to compete in women’s competitions.

Harvard University’s financial situation

Harvard’s endowment is estimated to be worth more than $50 billion. The university insists that the money is intended to provide financial aid to students. Earlier this month, Harvard announced it would expand its student support program, making undergraduate education free for children from families earning $100,000 or less a year.

Dozens of Harvard Law School professors have sharply criticized the Trump administration's crackdown on universities and law firms, saying the moves could threaten the rule of law. The move could have serious consequences for Harvard and other universities. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”