By Steven Holland and Kanishka Singh
WASHINGTON () – The U.S. administration intends to halt grants awarded to Brown University and impose specific requirements for Harvard University to continue receiving federal funds. These stipulations include prohibiting masks and eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Harvard.
The reduction in funding for universities reflects Washington’s most recent efforts to address what it terms as anti-Semitic activities on college grounds. Critics, including human rights activists and scholarly professionals, have denounced these actions as infringements upon free expression and educational independence. Institutions assert their intention to tackle prejudice within their premises.
An American government representative, requesting confidentiality, stated that the current administration’s move will halt approximately $510 million in grant money destined for Brown University. This makes it the most recent educational entity to be affected under President Donald Trump's policies. Brown University mentioned they have not received an official notification as of yet.
The criteria for admission to Harvard were disclosed in a letter viewed by . Harvard acknowledged receipt of this letter.
Last month, the U.S. Education Department issued warnings to 60 universities, including Brown and Harvard, indicating potential enforcement actions due to accusations of antisemitism.
On Tuesday, Princeton University announced that the U.S. government had frozen multiple research grants at the institution. The Trump administration was also examining approximately $9 billion worth of federal contracts and grants provided to Harvard.
A few weeks ago, it revoked $400 million in federal funds allocated to Columbia University. This decision came after the university became central to pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. In order to discuss regaining this financial support, Columbia committed to making substantial alterations.
Trump has threatened to slash federal funding for universities over pro-Palestinian campus protests against U.S. ally Israel's devastating military assault on Gaza, which has caused a humanitarian crisis in the enclave and followed a deadly October 2023 attack by Islamist group Hamas.
Trump has called the protesters antisemitic, and has labeled them as sympathetic to Hamas militants and as foreign policy threats.
Protesters, including certain Jewish organizations, argue that the Trump administration incorrectly equates their condemnation of Israel’s activities in Gaza and their promotion of Palestinian rights with antisemitism and backing of Hamas.
CONDITIONS ON HARVARD
On Thursday, in a missive addressed to Harvard President Drew Faust, representatives from the U.S. Education Department, Health Department, and the General Services Administration stated that the institution needs to prohibit mask usage, remove Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and pledge cooperation with governmental and legal authorities.
A number of demonstrators supporting Palestine have opted to wear masks at protests. They claim this practice aids in concealing their identities to evade doxing and persecution. However, some governmental representatives argue that these masks are used to dodge responsibility.
The correspondence also stated that Harvard needs to examine and modify programs and departments contributing to "antisemitic harassment," along with ensuring students face consequences for breaking policies.
On Wednesday, Harvard announced independently that it had put the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee on probation and prohibited it from holding public gatherings until July due to alleged breaches of protest guidelines.
Last week, media sources reported that both Cemal Kafadar, the director, and Rosie Bsheer, the associate director, of Harvard University's Center for Middle Eastern Studies, are stepping down from their roles.
In an email sent to campus leaders on Thursday, as shared by a representative from Brown University, Provost Frank Doyle stated that the institution was informed about “disturbing speculations concerning potential federal actions regarding Brown’s research funding.” However, he also mentioned that they did not have any evidence to confirm these speculations.
He stated that they are closely tracking updates about grants but do not have additional information to share at this time.
Recently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have arrested several foreign students who were protesting at various colleges and universities, and they are now attempting to deport these individuals.
Advocates for rights have likewise voiced worries regarding Islamophobia and anti-Arab prejudice amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. However, the Trump administration hasn't disclosed any measures taken in reaction.
The administration has similarly focused on schools for various culture-war topics and withheld $175 million from the University of Pennsylvania due to their stance on transgender participation in sports.
(Reported by Steve Holland and Kanishka Singh from Washington; additional reporting by Nate Raymond and Ismail Shakil; Edited by Don Durfee, Stephen Coates, and Muralikumar Anantharaman)