On Monday, Harvard President Alan Gerber reached out to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, expressing his disapproval of the Trump administration’s actions concerning the university while also pointing out common concerns shared by both parties.
In his letter, Gerber mentioned, “We share a common foundation on many important issues, including the importance of ending anti-Semitism and other prejudices on campus,” emphasizing that Harvard should embrace diverse perspectives rather than adhere to a narrow viewpoint.
However, he pointed out that these objectives are being “harmed and threatened” by the federal government’s ongoing disregard for private universities’ constitutional rights and Harvard’s compliance with the law.
This correspondence came in response to a letter from McMahon that stated Harvard is ineligible for its new federal research grant.
McMahon’s letter accused Harvard of lowering academic standards, enabling anti-Semitism on campus, and failing to adhere to a 2023 Supreme Court ruling affecting university admissions practices.
She indicated that the Trump administration is seeking “common sense reforms,” which would involve changes to admissions and employment practices before Harvard can access grants once again.
Gerber countered by saying, “While we are committed to the law and our core values, we will not compromise legally protected principles due to fears of undue federal retaliation.”
He mentioned reaching out to the Education Department for further comments.
The Trump administration previously stripped Harvard of over $2.2 billion in federal funding, revoked its tax-exempt status, and threatened it as part of a Title VI investigation.
Gerber noted, “That’s why we went to court to challenge the government’s illegal attempts to exert control over fundamental aspects of university operations,” alluding to an ongoing lawsuit regarding the federal funds. A court hearing on this matter is scheduled for July.
In his letter, Gerber outlined various actions by the university to tackle campus issues and rebuffed McMahon’s characterization of Harvard as a “partisan institution.”
He concluded by expressing hope that his response would be received in a spirit of collaboration aimed at addressing anti-Semitism and promoting excellence on campus.
