Obama Cheers as Harvard Rejects Merit-Based Hiring, Embraces Antisemitism

Former President Barack Obama on Monday voiced strong support for Harvard University after the institution refused to comply with demands from the Trump administration aimed at reforming campus policies related to antisemitism, merit-based hiring, and diversity initiatives.

Posting on the social media platform X, Obama said the Ivy League school had “set an example” for how colleges should respond to federal pressure, despite the potential loss of billions in government funding.

“Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions – rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom, while taking concrete steps to make sure all students at Harvard can benefit from an environment of intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate and mutual respect,” Obama wrote.

Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions – rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom, while taking concrete steps to make sure all students at Harvard can benefit from an environment of intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate and… https://t.co/gAu9UUqgjF

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 15, 2025

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Obama, a 1991 graduate of Harvard Law School and the first Black president of the Harvard Law Review in 1990, has frequently spoken on issues related to education and free speech in academic institutions.

His comments follow the Biden-to-Trump transition in federal policy that has shifted attention toward accountability in higher education, particularly around accusations of antisemitism and politically driven hiring practices.

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The dispute began after the Trump administration issued a directive outlining changes it expected from Harvard in order to continue receiving federal financial support.

The administration’s requests included eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, addressing allegations of antisemitism on campus, and adopting merit-based criteria for hiring and academic advancement.

Harvard University President Alan Garber responded by stating the school would not comply with the federal demands.

As a result, the administration moved to freeze $2.2 billion in federal grants and an additional $60 million in government contracts that the university had been receiving.

.@PressSec: “The President made it clear to Harvard: Follow federal law, no longer break Title VI… The President is also begging a good question: More than $2 billion out the door to Harvard when they have a more than $50 billion endowment. Why are American taxpayers… pic.twitter.com/CfssyB8owu

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 15, 2025

In a statement, Garber said Harvard would continue to uphold its commitment to academic freedom and would not implement changes that it believed undermined the university’s values or autonomy.

The funding freeze follows broader national scrutiny of U.S. universities over campus speech, antisemitism, and ideological programs, particularly in the aftermath of pro-Palestinian demonstrations and accusations of discriminatory conduct at several institutions.

Harvard has been at the center of several controversies in recent months, including faculty and student criticism over its handling of antisemitic incidents.

The Trump administration has cited those incidents in justifying its decision to condition funding on reform.

Officials said the move was intended to ensure universities are fostering safe and inclusive environments for all students, including Jewish students who have reported increasing harassment and bias on college campuses.

The administration’s action and Harvard’s refusal mark one of the most high-profile clashes yet between federal authority and academic governance under President Trump’s current term.

The issue has reignited debate over the role of the federal government in shaping campus policy and the extent to which taxpayer dollars should support institutions accused of ideological bias or failing to protect students from discrimination.

Harvard pushed back against Trump so now Trump is raising the stakes

He’s now threatening to take their tax exempt status since they act as a Leftist political entity

All they had to do was treat conservatives & minorities fairly on campus

Now they’ll deal w/the consequences pic.twitter.com/utStcamhxt

— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) April 15, 2025

Harvard has not announced whether it will pursue legal action to restore the suspended federal funding.

University leadership has indicated it will continue to seek alternative sources of support while maintaining its stance against complying with the administration’s conditions.

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