US Republicans Initiate Formal Investigation into Harvard University Amid Controversies
In a significant move against Harvard University, US Congressional Republicans have formally launched an investigation into the institution's hiring practices and diversity programs. This action comes in the wake of allegations regarding discrimination and the university's handling of pro-Palestinian protests that occurred last year.
The inquiry was announced in a letter sent on Thursday by prominent Congress members Elise Stefanik and James Comer. They demanded that Harvard provide documentation related to its employment practices and the diversity initiatives it has implemented. The lawmakers asserted that Harvard's refusal to comply constitutes a violation of legal obligations.
James Comer, who chairs a key investigative committee in the House of Representatives, and Stefanik, known for her close ties to former President Donald Trump, have been vocal critics of Harvard. Their scrutiny intensified following a December 2023 hearing where university presidents, including Harvard's, were questioned about antisemitism and discrimination on elite campuses.
In their letter, Stefanik and Comer criticized the response from Harvard's President Alan Garber, who has resisted the White House's calls for accountability. They expressed concerns that Harvard has been either unable or unwilling to prevent unlawful discrimination, citing the institution's refusal to accept a proposed compliance agreement from federal authorities.
Recently, Trump escalated the pressure on Harvard, threatening to revoke the university's tax benefits and classify it as a political organization. Furthermore, the Biden administration had already indicated plans to cut approximately $2.2 billion in federal funding to the university, a decision based on its alleged failure to address discrimination.
Trump characterized Harvard as a "joke" that promotes hatred and ignorance, claiming it no longer deserves public funding. He has criticized the university's ideological stance and alleged antisemitic incidents that have surfaced during pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the context of the Gaza conflict, which erupted following a large-scale attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023.
In March, the US Department of Education announced a review of federal support for 60 universities, including Harvard, amid growing concerns over antisemitism and discrimination on campus.
While many US universities have complied with requests for cooperation, Harvard has maintained its stance against Trump's demands to dismantle diversity departments and assist immigration enforcement in scrutinizing students.
President Garber has reaffirmed that Harvard will not negotiate its independence or constitutional rights, highlighting the ongoing tension between the university and the federal government.