look news india
America’s leading educational body Harvard University suffered a major setback when the White House decided to stop the $ 2.2 billion grant to be given to it. Along with this, the Trump administration has also stopped additional contracts of $ 60 million to Harvard. The decision came after the university’s stance in which it refused to accept the government demands to stop the ongoing protests on the campus.
Strict conditions placed by the White House
Donald Trump -led administration sent a letter to Harvard on Friday seeking several policy changes from the university. These were asked to adopt ‘merit -based’ adoption system, get internal audit on diversity and inclusion, ban face masks and stop funding of student organizations that allegedly promote criminal activities or illegal violence.
Harvard reply: This violation of rights
Reacting to these demands on Monday, Harvard University President Alan Garber said that it is a violation of the university’s freedom and the right to expression. He said that this step is against the first amendment of the Constitution of America and the provisions of the title VI, which prevent discrimination based on breed, color or national origin.
Addressing the Harvard community, Garber said, “No government has the right to instruct what a private university should teach, whom admission or whom to appoint.”
Trump administration’s sharp reaction
It was also said by the Trump administration that institutions like Harvard University get federal investment not only funding, but also with accountability towards civil rights laws. A joint statement from the administration said, “Today’s statement of Harvard reflects a worrying mentality that thrives in the prestigious universities of the country, in which he considers himself above the law.”