Harvard University is in a major disagreement with the Trump administration over funding and its independence as a university. 

The government is threatening to take away billions of dollars in grants and contracts from Harvard unless the school agrees to certain demands. 

These include getting rid of diversity programs, banning masks at protests, and making changes to the way the university is run, such as reducing the power of students and professors in decision-making.

Harvard has refused to follow these demands, saying they go against its right to freedom of speech and academic independence. 

In response, the government has threatened to cancel more than $250 million in existing contracts and review billions more in funding. 

The government’s actions come after protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, with the administration saying these protests showed growing antisemitism on college campuses.

Former President Barack Obama has publicly supported Harvard, calling the government’s actions an attack on academic freedom. 

He has encouraged other universities to follow Harvard’s example and stand up against the pressure. 

However, some universities, like Columbia, have agreed to follow some of the government’s demands, raising concerns about the future of academic freedom in the U.S.

This situation highlights a growing battle between the government and universities over how much control the government should have over what happens on college campuses. 

Harvard’s stance may set an example for how other universities deal with similar pressures in the future.

Source: (1), (2), (3)

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