A Harvard Graduate’s Perspective on Trump’s Policies Towards the University

The ongoing confrontation between the Trump administration and Harvard University has surprisingly generated significant public attention.

I mention this not to detract from the relevance of President Donald Trump’s reforms, as they present valid points that merit consideration.

As an alum of both Harvard’s undergraduate and law programs, along with a history of generous donations, I find the situation troubling. The presence of rampant antisemitism on campus, combined with the university’s seemingly imperious behavior, illustrates why the White House feels compelled to respond.

Assessing Harvard’s Reforms Amidst Controversy

There exists a strong argument that Harvard requires accountability and reform. However, the nature of the controversies tied to the institution distinguishes it from other universities.

The university’s approach to antisemitism, alongside the silencing of dissenting views and its hiring practices, raises red flags. Notably, these issues did not suddenly emerge following the tragic attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7th.

The Epicenter of Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

Harvard has long positioned itself as a leader in Diversity, Education, and Inclusion efforts across the United States. This commitment recently faced scrutiny, culminating in a Supreme Court ruling that deemed its admissions criteria unfair to Asian students in June 2023.

However, two recent incidents highlight the urgent need for reform at Harvard. Firstly, the Harvard Law Review awarded a $65,000 grant to Ibraham Bharmal, who had faced charges for assaulting an Israeli student, an incident that garnered attention due to its troubling nature.

Rather than penalizing him for his actions, Harvard appeared to reward Bharmal’s behavior with a taxpayer-funded grant, emblematic of a troubling trend where antisemitism seems tolerated.

Concerns Regarding Tenure and Ethical Standards

The second incident involves the controversial revocation of tenure for Francesca Gino, a business administration professor infamous for her ethical breaches, which included a long-standing practice of falsifying data.

Despite any personal agreement with Trump’s actions aimed at Harvard, certain measures, such as a blanket ban on foreign student admissions, seem excessive. However, implementing a reasonable social media vetting process aligns with practices already ubiquitous among American universities.

Key Observations from Harvard’s Critics

Harvard professor Steven Pinker’s recent New York Times article compellingly addresses the pressing issues at Harvard and puts forward potential solutions. His frustration regarding the university’s handling of antisemitism, free speech, and employment practices underscores the growing dissatisfaction among stakeholders.

Pinker advocates for a calibrated reaction to Harvard’s shortcomings. He argues that, while reforms are needed, indiscriminate funding cuts could dismantle America’s scientific advancements without coaxing the necessary adjustments from the university.

Exploring Targeted Solutions

There exist clear pathways to enact reforms without jeopardizing Harvard’s leadership in essential fields. For instance, funding for social sciences could be curtailed without impacting critical medical research initiatives.

Significantly, Pinker emphasizes the paradox that, so far, the only impetus for real change at Harvard has stemmed from the Trump administration’s pressure.

As Pinker aptly notes, despite the discomfort around the circumstances, many of these reforms arose directly from Trump’s demands following his inauguration.

A Call for Institutional Reflection

Ideally, it should not take active intervention from the President of the United States for universities to adhere to their own ethical standards. Nor is it acceptable that external pressure is needed to manage antisemitism and anti-American extremism infiltrating campus cultures.

The situation reveals a pressing need for institutional reflection and accountability at Harvard. As an alum and a concerned citizen, I hope for constructive dialogues between the Trump administration and Harvard officials. There must come a realization that allowing or rewarding students who egregiously breach the university’s code of conduct or that of the nation is untenable.