How Harvard is reshaping itself under pressure from Trump and internal dissent

Time of India

a day ago

President Alan Garber leads Harvard through post-DEI and antisemitism scrutiny
Harvard University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States, is undergoing significant internal restructuring amid increasing political and cultural pressure.
The shift is occurring under the leadership of Alan Garber, the university's 31st president, who stepped into the role following the resignation of Claudine Gay.
President Donald Trump, in his ongoing critique of elite universities, has focused his attention on Harvard, accusing the institution of fostering antisemitism and liberal bias. The criticism intensified after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, with Trump threatening to withdraw nearly $7 billion in federal funding unless action was taken.
According to The Atlantic, Garber was informed by government officials that the Department of Education was examining Harvard's practices, leading to growing tension between the university and the administration.
A new president and a divided campus
Alan Garber, a trained economist and physician, was previously Harvard's provost and a relatively quiet figure in public discourse. His presidency began at a moment of institutional upheaval, marked by mounting criticism from both the federal government and student activists on campus.
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According to The Atlantic, Garber told Harvard's governing board that he believed 'the MAGA critique is not entirely wrong,' referencing criticism of elite institutions by supporters of President Trump.
The transition in leadership followed intense scrutiny of former President Claudine Gay's handling of campus unrest and her remarks before Congress regarding antisemitism. As reported by The Atlantic, Gay's resignation was influenced by accusations of plagiarism and failure to curb antisemitic rhetoric among students, further complicating Harvard's internal dynamics.
Federal scrutiny and external pressure
President Trump's administration has placed elite institutions like Harvard under federal review for alleged violations of civil rights. The Department of Education opened investigations into the university's response to antisemitism following complaints filed after the October 7 attacks. These investigations are part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to challenge the ideological direction of higher education institutions.
The financial implications are substantial. As The Atlantic reported, Garber received a call from federal officials indicating that Harvard's eligibility for nearly $7 billion in federal funding might be reconsidered if reforms were not made. This development contributed to mounting pressure within the university's leadership circles to act swiftly and visibly.
Restructuring DEI and academic review
Garber initiated a comprehensive review of Harvard's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
The initiative, led by law professor Vicki Jackson, was described as a reassessment of the university's institutional approach to diversity and inclusion. According to The Atlantic, Garber clarified that this review did not signal a retreat from DEI, but rather a reflection on how to ensure 'inclusion and belonging' are pursued in a politically sustainable way.
In parallel, Garber launched a working group on antisemitism, headed by Raffaella Sadun from Harvard Business School.
The group was tasked with delivering a set of actionable recommendations by the end of the spring term, in an effort to reassure Jewish students and counter perceptions that the university was indifferent to antisemitism on campus.
Tensions with faculty and student groups
The internal changes have not been without conflict. Faculty members have raised concerns about perceived concessions to political pressure.
As The Atlantic reported, Garber faced criticism from some faculty who viewed his actions as appeasing the federal government at the expense of academic independence.
Student groups have also voiced frustration, particularly in response to administrative policies affecting campus speech and demonstrations. Harvard has grappled with ongoing protests and sit-ins, many related to the Israel-Palestine conflict and broader demands for institutional transparency and accountability.
Looking ahead
Despite the challenges, Garber remains committed to steering Harvard through its current period of transformation. His leadership comes at a moment when elite universities across the US are being asked to redefine their missions in the face of increasing scrutiny.
As The Atlantic noted, Garber's approach reflects a calculated effort to protect Harvard's institutional integrity while navigating the demands of a deeply polarized political environment. The coming months are expected to test his ability to balance federal expectations, internal reforms, and the university's traditional commitment to academic freedom.
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