Harvard University appealed to the Federal Court with a lawsuit against Donald Trump's administration, accusing the government of trying to "arbitrary and unconstitutional punishment" of the institution for constitutional rights. The reason for the trial was the White House decision to freeze more than $ 2 billion in federal grants and contracts, as well as new intentions to cancel another billion dollars in the future.
The conflict arose against the backdrop of the Trump administration policy aimed at limiting the impact of so-called Dei, Equity, Inclusion-diversity, equality and inclusion) at universities. According to official letters dated April 3 and 11, the administration requires Harvard:
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cancel or view Dei programs;
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prohibit wearing masks while protests on the campus;
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Change the rules that allegedly restrict freedom of speech for students with conservative views.
In his 51-page lawsuit, Harvard accuses the Federal Government of Exceeding the Office and violating the first amendment to the US Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech. According to university representatives, such actions of the administration are direct interference with the autonomy of higher education institutions, which can have long -term consequences for scientific research, in particular in the field of medicine, technology and climatic changes.
“It's not just a question of money. It is a question of independence of the academic community and the ability of the university to protect basic freedoms, ”the claim reads.
The White House has not yet been officially response from the White House, but earlier Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed severe criticism against major universities, accusing them of "left -hand" and ideological pressure on students. His administration openly states that the state should not finance establishments that "suppress alternative thoughts" or "spread radical left narratives."
