The Trump administration is exerting pressure on federal agencies to terminate their contracts with Harvard amidst a contentious dispute over the allocation of billions of dollars crucial for the university’s operations.
Harvard Accused of Racial Discrimination
The General Services Administration (GSA) has accused the Ivy League institution of engaging in racial discrimination in its admissions process and other aspects of campus life. Consequently, the administration has initiated a process to review the termination or transition of federal government contracts with Harvard.
Call for Contract Termination
Josh Gruenbaum, the commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service at the GSA, recommended that agencies terminate contracts with Harvard that fail to meet established standards. He also advised agencies to consider transitioning contracts to alternative vendors for improved service delivery.
Federal agencies have been instructed to submit their plans regarding Harvard-related contracts by a specified deadline.
Legal Battles with President Trump
This latest development adds to the series of confrontations between President Donald Trump and Harvard. Recently, a federal judge intervened to prevent the administration from barring Harvard from enrolling foreign students. The judge sided with Harvard, citing unconstitutional retaliation by the administration.
In response, President Trump suggested reallocating grant money from Harvard to trade schools, alleging anti-Semitic behavior by the university.
