Harvard University said it had no reason to doubt the seriousness or authenticity of a letter it received from the government of President Donald Trump this month, although it contains demands that were “amazing in its reach.”
Also, even if it was sent by mistake, as reported by the New York Times, administration has only intensified its attack on the university through a series of actions that undermine students, patients and the position of higher education, warned a university spokesman.
“A, was signed by three federal authorities, placed on an official tone paper and sent from the e-mail entrance box from a high federal employee on April 11, as promised,” said a university spokesman.
“The recipients of such a US government correspondence – even containing comprehensive and surprisingly exaggerated demands – do not question their authenticity or seriousness.”
The New York Times, quoting people aware of the matter, reported that the letter was sent by Sean Keveney, interim general advisor to the Department of Health and Human Services, which is also a member of the government’s anti-Semitism task force.
Citing unidentified authorities, the New York Times wrote that some people in the White House thought it could have been sent prematurely, while others suggested that it should have been distributed between the task force.
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A task force statement on Saturday (19) did not directly comment on the letter.
“The task force and the entire Trump government are committed to ensuring that the entities that receive taxpayers’ money comply with all civil rights laws. Harvard needs to assume problematic issues on their campus and implement comprehensive and lasting changes to protect all students, teachers, and discrimination staff.”
Regardless of whether the letter was sent mistakenly, it triggered a series of events that led to a remarkable battle between the administration and the oldest and richest university in the US.
After Harvard President Alan Garber said the university would not “give up” its independence, the in federal scholarships. President Donald Trump questioned the university’s tax exemption status and his chief secretary of state, Kristi Noem, threatened to prevent school from enrolling foreign students.
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“Even assuming the government now wants to withdraw its litany of incredibly intribly demands, it seems to have reinforced these demands through actions in recent days,” said Harvard spokesman. “Actions speak louder than words.”
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