3 hours ago
9
April 23, 2025 | 01:01 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - On Monday, Harvard University filed a federal lawsuit challenging the funding freeze imposed by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to a report by Al Jazeera, Harvard described the funding freeze as “a violation of the law and an overreach of governmental authority.”
In the lawsuit submitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Harvard argued that the case represents “an attempt by the federal government to use the withholding of federal funds as a means to assert control over academic decision-making at Harvard.”
"Over the course of the past week, the federal government has taken several actions following Harvard’s refusal to comply with its illegal demands," wrote Harvard University President Alan M. Garber in his letter to the Harvard Community members.
"Moments ago, we filed a lawsuit to halt the funding freeze because it is unlawful and beyond the government’s authority."
The legal complaint mentioned several U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Education, the Department of Health, the Department of Justice, the Department of Energy, and the General Services Administration.
A report from The New York Times mentioned that the lawsuit "marks a significant escalation" in the ongoing conflict between the higher education sector and Trump, who vowed to "take back" elite universities.
The government claimed that protests against the war in Israel in Gaza that affected US campuses last year were fraught with anti-Semitism.
According to the report, the U.S. government vigorously directed its campaign, claimed to be a resistance to anti-Semitism, although it seemed to be a suppression of pro-Palestinian voices. These efforts also targeted programs and teaching related to issues of racial and gender diversity.
"The Government has not – and cannot – identify any rational connection between antisemitism concerns and the medical, scientific, technological, and other research it has frozen that aims to save American lives, foster American success, preserve American security, and maintain America’s position as a global leader in innovation," Garber said.
On April 11, the Trump administration sent a letter to Harvard demanding the university implement “meaningful governance reform and restructuring,” while asserting that “investment is not guaranteed.”
Harvard rejected these demands on April 14, refusing to alter its governance model, recruitment process, and admissions policies.
Just hours later, the administration froze $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and an additional $60 million in long-term contracts with the university.
Then on April 16, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem instructed Harvard to provide information about illegal acts and violence involving international students with visas, with a deadline of April 30.
Failure to comply could lead to Harvard losing its authority to enroll international students.
Since taking office in January 2025, the Trump administration has issued similar warnings to several top U.S. universities, threatening funding cuts unless they adjust their campus policies.
The administration’s key demands include eliminating what it calls anti-Semitism on campuses and dismantling diversity initiatives perceived to favor certain minority groups.
Amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, U.S. campuses saw widespread pro-Palestinian protests last year, which drew scrutiny from the government. However, pro-Israel demonstrations, which at times incited violence, were reportedly met with leniency from authorities.
Editor’s Choice: Unexpected Reunion: JD Vance Among Pope Francis' FInal Visitors
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Unexpected Reunion: JD Vance Among Pope Francis' FInal Visitors
16 jam lalu
The article discusses the surprise meeting between Pope Francis and JD Vance, in light of their recent public disagreements on Trump's immigration policies.
Trump Pushes for US-Made iPhones, Analyst Warns of Skyrocketing Prices
18 jam lalu
A plan to produce the iPhone entirely in the United States is expected to triple the selling price of the device.
Analyst Explains Rupiah's Drop to Rp16,859.5 per U.S. Dollar Despite March Trade Surplus
18 jam lalu
The article discusses the prediction of the Rupiah's movement in the upcoming trading day, based on an analysis by currency analyst Ibrahim Assuaibi.
Donald Trump, Melania to Attend Pope Francis' Funeral in Rome
23 jam lalu
President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, are scheduled to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome.
Indonesian Economist: QRIS Promotes Inclusion, Not a U.S.-Claimed Trade Barrier
1 hari lalu
Economist says that QRIS is not merely a payment tool, but a digital public infrastructure that unifies various electronic payment systems nationwide.
World Reacts to Pope Francis' Death
1 hari lalu
The death of Pope Francis has prompted an outpouring of condolences from global leaders and institutions, who praised his legacy of humility.
Rupiah May Gain Amid Trump's Standoff with Fed Governor Jerome Powell
1 hari lalu
Tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell are making waves, and Indonesia's rupiah is feeling the impact.
Pope Francis Remembers Gazans in His Last Easter Message
1 hari lalu
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, April 21, 2025.
A Look at QRIS, Recently Cited as Barrier to U.S.-Indonesia Trade
1 hari lalu
Indonesia's digital payment service QRIS implementation is deemed problematic by the Trump administration.
Indonesian Gov't Outlines Results of Negotiations Over Trump's Import Tariffs
2 hari lalu
Indonesia has negotiated with the U.S. on tariffs, aiming to increase imports and ease licensing, with talks set to conclude in 60 days.
