The Trump administration is preparing to freeze federal research grants to Brown University and impose new restrictions on Harvard University, including the elimination of diversity programs and a ban on face coverings, as part of its intensifying crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses.
The proposed freeze would impact $510 million in funding for Brown, making it the latest academic institution to come under federal scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Harvard is being told it must meet several conditions to continue receiving government support, including dismantling its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and cooperating with federal investigations.
The moves are part of a broader federal bids targeting higher education institutions in response to a surge of pro-Palestinian demonstrations following Israel’s genocidal campaign in Gaza. Critics, including civil rights groups and academic leaders, have denounced the administration’s actions as an attack on free expression and academic independence.
Last month, the Department of Education notified over 60 universities — including Harvard and Brown — of potential enforcement measures related to allegations of "antisemitic" activity.
Princeton University confirmed this week that several federal research grants had already been frozen, while Columbia University previously lost $400 million in federal funding before agreeing to internal reforms.
A Thursday letter from multiple federal agencies to Harvard President Alan Garber outlined further demands. The letter called for administrative cooperation with law enforcement and policy changes.
The administration's campaign has expanded beyond academic grants. Immigration authorities have detained and initiated deportation proceedings against several foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests.
