Harvard’s challenge to Trump administration could test limits of government power | CBS 42
“Maybe Harvard could make it on their own.” That’s the pointed remark made by Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn when asked about the escalating standoff between Harvard University and former President Donald Trump.
While the controversy has the internet buzzing, it also sparks a deeper question: Should elite universities like Harvard rely on federal funding? And if they didn’t, what would that even look like?
Let’s break this down — conversationally, of course.
What’s the Harvard vs. Trump Story All About?
In early April, the Trump administration froze over $2 billion in federal grants to Harvard University. The move came in response to Harvard’s handling of antisemitic protests on campus and its refusal to comply with certain government demands. Trump didn’t stop there — he also floated the idea of removing Harvard’s tax-exempt status.
For many, this clash felt shocking. But to Larry Arnn, president of Hillsdale College, it’s not entirely surprising.
“The government has changed so much since 1960… it’s all over everything now — including education,” Arnn said in a recent interview.
His point? Accepting federal money often means surrendering a bit of your independence.
How Hillsdale College Operates Without a Single Federal Dollar
Let that sink in: Hillsdale College, a Christian liberal arts college in Michigan, has never accepted federal funding. Not once in nearly 200 years.
So how do they survive?
Simple — every transaction at Hillsdale is voluntary. No student is forced to be there. In fact, every student signs an honor code before stepping foot on campus. It’s a model built on independence, personal responsibility, and freedom of thought.
“Maybe [Harvard] should have the complete courage of their convictions and just give [the federal funding] up,” Arnn suggested.
It’s a bold claim, but one that comes from experience. Hillsdale’s model proves it’s possible — albeit challenging.
Why Does Federal Funding Even Matter for Colleges?
Here’s a simple explanation:
Federal funding = rules and regulations.
When a college accepts money from the Department of Education, they agree to follow hundreds of pages of government requirements — covering everything from diversity mandates to student conduct rules.
So when a university like Harvard publicly refuses to follow a new mandate (in this case, related to antisemitism investigations), it’s essentially pushing back against the very hand that funds it.
And that’s where things get sticky.
What’s the Real Cost of Saying ‘No’ to Federal Funding?
If you’re wondering, “Could Harvard really survive without government support?” — let’s look at the numbers.
According to Arnn, the frozen federal aid translates to about $90,000 per student per year. That’s a huge chunk of change — even for a university with a massive endowment.
But Harvard also has deep pockets, much deeper than Hillsdale’s. And Arnn’s take?
“Maybe they could make it on their own.”
He’s not suggesting it would be easy, but he believes it’s doable — especially if independence truly matters.
So, What’s the Bigger Picture Here?
This isn’t just about Harvard or Hillsdale. It’s about the philosophy of education in America.
Should universities be able to operate free from government influence?
Can they maintain academic freedom while relying on federal dollars?
What role should the government play in shaping campus culture?
These are real, tough questions. And Arnn believes colleges should start answering them — not just by words, but by actions.
“If you don’t want bureaucrats in Washington telling you what to do, don’t take their money,” he advised.
Sounds simple — but the implications are massive.
Final Thoughts: A Challenge to the Ivy League
Arnn wasn’t just criticizing. He was challenging. He urged Harvard to embrace the strength found in its own legacy — the same legacy that once emphasized independent thought, academic excellence, and moral courage.
“My suggestion would be to go in the right direction… and probably do it with your own resources,” he concluded.
At the heart of it all lies a timeless truth: With great funding comes great responsibility. Whether Harvard will rise to the challenge — or retreat into bureaucracy — remains to be seen.
Key Takeaway for Readers
Can elite universities like Harvard survive without federal funding?
Yes — but it takes conviction, clarity of purpose, and the willingness to operate independently, much like Hillsdale College has done for nearly two centuries.
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