Harvard had to do it. It had to stand up to the Trump administration if it was going to retain its position as the world’s preeminent higher-ed institution. It had to stand up to the blatant government intrusion into how a private institution operates. It had to stand up to the blatant lie that these proposed funding cuts are all about fighting antisemitism. …Keep in mind: I’m a long-time critic of academia and all its infuriating politically correct/CRE/woke ways. But this isn’t the way to achieve change. This is an autocratic power grab. …

… The Globe, NYT and WSJ  have more on the dramatic showdown between Harvard and Trump. 

Update – In other news from the academic battlefront, via the BBJ: “MIT joins lawsuit against Department of Energy cuts.”

Update II — 4.16.25 – From a WSJ editorial: “The Trump Administration on Monday froze $2.2 billion in funds to Harvard after the university refused to surrender to its sweeping demands. Few Americans will shed tears for the Cambridge crowd, but there are good reasons to oppose this unprecedented attempt by government to micromanage a private university.”

Update III — 4.16.25 – From David Ignatius at the Post: “By saying ‘no’ to Trump, Harvard saves its soul.”