Harvard and the Federal Government: What’s at Stake for Higher Ed?


Apr 30
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
University of Richmond, Zoom meeting

On Wednesday, April 30th, all UR faculty, staff, and students are invited to join Intersections as we examine the recent "Letter Sent to Harvard" from the federal government, Harvard's official response, and the subsequent actions taken by both parties. These documents have sparked national debate about academic freedom, civil rights, federal oversight, and the future of higher education in the United States. This session aims to foster open, respectful dialogue and deepen our collective understanding of these urgent issues. All perspectives are welcome. Participants are encouraged to review the following pre-discussion materials before attending:

  • The federal government's letter outlining demands and conditions for continued funding and tax-exempt status.
  • Harvard's response and public statements regarding these demands.
  • Recent news of the situation and its broader implications for higher education

Discussion Details:

What This Session Will Explore

  • A rapidly unfolding standoff between Harvard University and the federal government involving federal funding, free speech, and campus governance.
  • The legal, ethical, and ideological implications of the federal demands and Harvard’s resistance.
  • How these events may shape the future of academic freedom and higher education.

What You Will Gain by Attending

  • Insight into the major reforms being demanded by the federal government—and why Harvard is refusing them.
  • A deeper understanding of the intersections between DEI, free expression, antisemitism, and institutional independence.
  • A safe space for civil dialogue about how these national issues relate to your own campus experience.

Reflection Questions for Discussion

  • What are the potential benefits and risks of increased federal oversight in university governance, admissions, and hiring practices?
  • How do the demands in the federal letter align with or challenge the principles of academic freedom and institutional autonomy?
  • What are the implications of eliminating DEI programs for campus climate, student support, and scholarly inquiry?
  • How should universities balance the need to protect students from discrimination and harassment with the imperative to uphold free speech and diverse viewpoints?
  • If you were in a leadership position at Harvard (or another university), how would you have responded to these demands? What values and practical considerations would guide your decision?
  • How might these developments affect the experience and sense of belonging for students and faculty from historically marginalized groups?
  • What parallels do you see between this situation and other moments in U.S. history when universities faced government pressure or intervention?

Please email Dr. Keith W. McIntosh at cio@richmond.edu to receive the pre-discussion materials for this conversation. Intersections is a voluntary weekly discussion group that fosters a sense of belonging through open dialogue about societal challenges and their historical contexts.