US: After Harvard, MIT Moves Against Trump Government (Image @MIT)
Massachusetts, US: Following the Harvard University’s letter to US President Donald Trump’s administration after they refused to comply with its demands, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), filed lawsuit against the federal government. In a letter to the members of the MIT community, the university president Sally Kornbluth said that “recent government actions are interfering with the normal functioning of MIT.”
The letter said such interference is diminishing the university’s ability to serve the nation and attract the world’s finest talent. Kornbluth mentioned about the incidents where the government intervened in the university’s activities. She pointed out the incident when National Institutes of Health (NIH) imposed a sudden cap (a limit on how much cost is allowed for a specific activity, project, or transaction) on the indirect cost reimbursement required to conduct researches. While the court granted permanent injunction (a court order that prohibits a party from engaging in specific actions or behaviors indefinitely, typically granted after a final determination of the case), which is remaining in force while the government seeks to appeal.
The letter also noted that the Department of Energy (DOE) imposed a cap similar to that from NIH. The department announced that it would no longer cover indirect costs at previously agreed-to-rates and would instead of terminate all grants unless they conform to a blanket rate of 15%. As per the letter, the DOE grants support the work of nearly 1,000 members of the Massachusetts community.
Also Read: Trump Administration Cut Billions In Harvard Funds For Defying Demands
The letter also mentions “unexpected visa and student status revocations have occurred at many colleges and universities”. It said since, April 4, nine members of the Massachusetts community, including students, recent graduates, and postdocs, have had their visas and immigration status unexpectedly revoked.
Earlier, Harvard responded to Trump administration’s new demands on the university, and decision to cut funds. The Trump administration is freezing nearly $2.3 billion in federal funds to Harvard University. The announcement came as the Ivy League school has decided to fight against the White House’s demands that it crack down on antisemitism and alleged civil rights violations, including shutting down diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
“Harvard’s statement today reinforces the troubling entitlement mindset that is endemic in our nation’s most prestigious universities and colleges – that federal investment does not come with the responsibility to uphold civil rights laws,” said a member of a department taskforce on combating antisemitism in a statement, as quoted by media. In the statement, it said that it was freezing $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in multi-year contract value to Harvard.
Also Read: Trump Admin To Review Harvard University Grants Over ‘Antisemitism’
In a letter, Harvard president, Alan Garber, said that the university would not comply with the Trump administration’s demands to dismantle its diversity programming and to limit student protests in exchange for its federal funding.
“No government – regardless of which party is in power – should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue”, he wrote. He also added that Harvard had taken extensive reforms to address antisemitism. Garber accused Trump administration’s move as political ploy.
