Photo: Scott Eisen / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Harvard University has rejected demands from the Trump administration to eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and make significant changes to its admissions and hiring practices, risking about $9 billion in federal funding.
Harvard President Alan Garber stated, "No government — regardless of which party is in power — should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue."
The Trump administration's demands included eliminating DEI programs and race-based hiring, screening international students for support of terrorism or anti-Semitism, and ensuring "viewpoint diversity" in hiring practices.
University leaders have expressed the struggle of balancing federal demands with student well-being and education, with the administration targeting universities for alleged civil rights violations.
Harvard's lawyers cited the university's efforts to address antisemitism on campus, including disciplinary actions and support programs, and rejected the government's demands as a violation of the university's First Amendment rights and exceeding the government's authority.
Source: NPR
Click Here To Listen Live https://www.iheart.com/live/news-radio-wtam-1100-17