Harvard, White House showdown portends ill for academics there

The world is looking at how the high-stakes showdown between Harvard University and the White House will end because this is not just a fight between a university and the US government. How the row concludes will determine whether universities in the United States will still have academic freedom and the autonomy they enjoy.

It is beyond the comprehension of many how far the US administration has gone in making sweeping demands — such as putting an end to all diversity, equity and inclusive programs and initiatives, and restricting acceptance of international students who are "hostile to the American values and institutions".

Were it just about the failure to adequately combat anti-Semitism on its campus, Harvard might choose to give in to the White House, which threatens to cut federal funding to the university. The White House is still withholding $400 million in federal funds to Columbia University although the university has yielded to a series of sweeping demands made by the US administration in an effort to restore the halted funding.