Obama backs Harvard in standoff with Trump and calls for protection of academic freedom
Barack Obama publicly endorsed Harvard's decision to reject federal funding, sparking a sharp response from the Trump administration and new Republican structures.
Photo: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0
Former U.S. President Barack Obama voiced support for Harvard University after the Donald Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts.
The reason was the university's refusal to comply with demands to ban diversity programs, alter academic courses, and restrict freedom of expression.
On Monday, Obama called Harvard’s actions a model for other institutions, emphasizing that educational institutions must defend academic freedom and resist pressure.
He had previously urged universities and law firms to stand up to political threats.
At the same time, the U.S. Department of Education criticized Harvard for “elitist thinking” and reminded that federal funding requires compliance with civil rights. Amid protests over Gaza, Trump intensified his rhetoric against universities, accusing them of sympathizing with Hamas.
Earlier, it was reported that U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren launched a “Save Our Schools” campaign in response to Donald Trump’s plans to eliminate the Department of Education. She urged teachers, parents, and students to unite and oppose the initiative.