Harvard Faces Federal Pressure Over Policies, Proceeds With Graduation

Harvard University marked its commencement on Thursday during a period of heightened tension with the federal government, which has increasingly targeted the institution as part of a broader campaign against elite universities.

While many schools across the country are facing threats to their federal funding and restrictions on enrolling international students due to new government policies, Harvard has emerged as a leading challenger, pushing back in court—and facing serious repercussions as a result.

Recent actions by federal agencies include efforts to terminate nearly $100 million in contracts with the university. More than $2.6 billion in research funding has already been withdrawn, and officials have moved to restrict the school’s ability to admit students from abroad while questioning its tax-exempt status.

This week, visa interviews for incoming international students were abruptly suspended. At the same time, federal officials signaled that they expect elite institutions like Harvard to lower their percentage of international students—from 25% to around 15%.

With a $53-billion endowment, Harvard is positioning itself as a defender of academic freedom and institutional independence, particularly in the face of growing demands from Washington to overhaul its leadership, admissions policies, and ideological makeup.

Federal officials claim these steps are needed to combat antisemitism on campuses, pointing to student protests related to the conflict in Gaza. Harvard has maintained that these demands infringe on academic freedom and the right to peaceful protest.

This year’s commencement events featured several prominent speakers, including physician and author Dr. Abraham Verghese as the main address. Basketball legend and social justice advocate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar delivered remarks on Class Day, commending Harvard President Alan Garber for resisting government pressure.

“When an administration attempted to coerce Harvard into compromising its values and academic principles, Dr. Alan Garber stood firm,” Abdul-Jabbar said, drawing parallels to historic acts of civil resistance.

He added, “In an era when so many institutions are quick to concede under pressure, Harvard’s resolve is a powerful reminder of what standing for freedom looks like.”

Harvard has responded to the escalating federal threats by filing a lawsuit to challenge the funding cuts and has won a temporary injunction to pause restrictions on international student admissions. As the commencement ceremonies concluded, university lawyers prepared to appear in court in Boston, seeking a broader ruling in their favor.

President Garber stated in a university interview that the administration’s actions pose a real threat to research and education. “We view these efforts as overreach and deeply harmful to scientific progress and academic exchange,” he said.

Still, Garber acknowledged that some criticism directed at higher education institutions, even if exaggerated or politically motivated, may reflect legitimate concerns that need to be addressed. Last year, he commissioned investigations into both antisemitism and anti-Arab bias on campus.

Federal officials argue their actions are meant to safeguard American students from threats on campus, referencing pro-Palestinian demonstrations and calls for divestment from companies linked to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

During last year’s graduation, hundreds of students walked out chanting in support of Palestine. At the time, the university initially withheld some diplomas from protesting students before ultimately allowing most to graduate.

While protests have quieted this year, a group of demonstrators held a silent vigil Thursday morning. Lining the edges of Harvard Yard with signs reading “Ceasefire Now” and “Not Another Bomb,” they aimed to keep attention on the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

One alumna, Carole Rein from Beverly, Massachusetts, attended to express her opposition to U.S. policy in the region. “As a citizen, I can’t be silent about what’s happening in Gaza,” she said. “It’s important to stand up, and many of us are still here doing that.”