What Did the Education secretary Say?
During an interview with CNBC, McMahon addressed the Trump administration’s decision to cancel federal funding for Harvard University by pointing out that most of the $9 billion in funding to the university was for “good research” but highlighted that educational institutions need to align with the administration’s goals, according to Newsweek.
She said that, “Universities should continue to be able to do research as long as they’re abiding by the laws and in sync, I think, with the administration and what the administration is trying to accomplish,” as quoted in the report.
Donald Trump’s Dispute with Harvard
The remarks come as the Trump administration escalates its standoff with Harvard, and the government has recently begun pulling federal contracts and funding from the Ivy League institution, accusing the university of failing to comply with Title VI, a federal law meant to prevent race-based discrimination, according to Newsweek.
Trump has also launched investigations into the university, and last week, the administration tried to withdraw Harvard’s right to enrol international students, however, the move was promptly stopped by a judge, reported Newsweek.
Concerns from the Academic Community
While, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick wrote on social media X post, “In America, the land of the free, no one should be required to be ‘in sync’ with a specific political party in order to benefit from programs open to all,” as quoted in the report.
FAQs
What does Linda McMahon mean by universities being “in sync” with the administration?
She’s suggesting that to keep receiving federal support, universities should align with the policies and goals of the Trump administration.Why is Harvard being targeted?
The administration claims Harvard isn’t complying with Title VI, a federal rule meant to prevent racial discrimination.