Egypt Daily News – On Tuesday, dozens of American universities denounced what they described as the “political interference” of U.S. President Donald Trump in the education system, stating that it “threatens American higher education.” Harvard University filed a lawsuit on Monday against the Trump administration, accusing it of tolerating “antisemitism” by allowing protests on campus criticizing Israel over the ongoing war in Gaza.
Amid an escalating standoff over the freezing of federal funding to the prestigious institution, several top universities including Yale, Princeton, and Harvard, issued a joint statement condemning the Trump administration’s actions.
“We speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference threatening American higher education,” read the joint statement signed by hundreds, including university presidents and organization leaders. The statement was endorsed by the heads of five Ivy League schools: Brown, Cornell, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale.
Harvard’s lawsuit marks a sharp escalation in the clash. The Trump administration has accused several major universities of being too lenient with “antisemitism” for allowing Gaza-related demonstrations, and has threatened to cut their funding, revoke their tax-exempt status, and block their ability to admit international students.
Harvard has refused to comply. In its lawsuit, the university argued that “this case is about the government’s attempt to use the threat of funding freezes to take control of academic decision-making at Harvard.”
The university described Trump’s actions as “arbitrary and capricious,” asserting that “the government’s conduct violates not only the First Amendment, but also federal laws and regulations.”
Trump was reportedly angered by Harvard’s refusal to submit to White House demands regarding oversight of admissions, hiring, and political orientation. Last week, he ordered a freeze on $2.2 billion in federal funding to the university.
Harvard is now seeking a court order to declare the funding freeze and associated conditions illegal, and to compel the administration to reimburse its costs.
The Trump administration has defended its crackdown on universities by claiming it is necessary to combat antisemitism and to challenge diversity, equity, and inclusion programs initiatives conservatives often view as favoring minorities and excluding right-wing perspectives.
Although Harvard and other universities responded to antisemitism complaints, including placing 23 students under disciplinary review and denying 12 their degrees, Trump continues to criticize the institution harshly.
On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote last week: “Harvard is no longer even considered a proper place for learning. It should not be on any list of the best universities or institutions in the world.” He added, “Harvard is a joke. It teaches hate and stupidity and should no longer receive federal funding.”
University President Alan Garber said the administration has launched “multiple investigations” into the school’s operations. He firmly rejected any notion of “negotiating Harvard’s independence or constitutional rights.”
Harvard is the first university to openly defy Trump’s efforts, as others, including Columbia, have reportedly yielded to less severe demands.
The National Security Council has also threatened Harvard’s ability to enroll international students unless it hands over visa records related to students allegedly involved in “illegal and violent activities.” Currently, international students make up 27.2% of Harvard’s student body.
In its lawsuit, the university stated: “Make no mistake: Harvard rejects antisemitism and all forms of discrimination, and is committed to structural reforms to eliminate antisemitism on its campus.”
It further accused the administration of imposing a blanket freeze on funding for medical, scientific, and technological research unrelated to any antisemitism allegations.
Trump’s accusations fit into a long-running conservative narrative that American universities are overly liberal, hostile to right-wing voices, and excessively focused on race and identity. But in Harvard’s case, the White House is demanding an unprecedented level of oversight over the internal affairs of one of the oldest, wealthiest, and most respected academic institutions in the world.
