Hard-line presidential advisors like Stephen Miller depict universities as bastions of anti-conservative forces that need to be brought to heel – a message that resonates strongly with Trump’s hard-right anti-elite base.
For Trump’s opponents, the Harvard refusal to bend marks a chance to draw a line in the sand against an authoritarian takeover.
“Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions – rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom,” former president Barack Obama wrote on X. “Let’s hope other institutions follow suit.”
The Harvard newspaper, “The Crimson,” applauded Garber’s defiance, saying “Harvard sent its clearest, most courageous message to date: Our values aren’t for sale.”
However, The Crimson warned, “Harvard cannot stand alone.”
“Harvard faced a difficult choice: Lose billions in federal funding or sacrifice its centuries-old soul. It chose right. Now here’s hoping our peers follow suit.”
