Hillsdale College President Urges Harvard to Reject Federal Funds Amid Free Speech Clash

Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn suggests Harvard should forgo federal funding to maintain its independence amidst a dispute over free speech and antisemitism.

In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn weighed in on the ongoing conflict between President Donald Trump and Harvard University over the institution’s handling of free speech and antisemitism. Arnn critiqued Harvard’s compliance with federal regulations, suggesting that the university should consider relinquishing federal funding to preserve its autonomy.

Arnn pointed out that Harvard’s receipt of federal funds comes with numerous stipulations, which the university must adhere to. He argued that if Harvard disagrees with these conditions, it should follow the example of Hillsdale College, which operates without federal funding. “The obvious solution would be, don’t take the money from the government, which is what we do,” Arnn stated, emphasizing the voluntary nature of transactions at Hillsdale.

The controversy escalated when the Trump administration froze over $2 billion in grants to Harvard, citing the university’s response to antisemitic incidents on campus. Arnn noted that such actions could violate the Civil Rights Act, which applies to all organizations in the U.S., including educational institutions.

Harvard President Alan Garber responded to the criticism, asserting that the university would not “surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.” Garber’s statement reflects a broader debate on the balance between institutional independence and compliance with federal mandates.

Arnn’s comments highlight a fundamental question facing higher education institutions: whether to accept federal funding with its associated conditions or to operate independently, free from government oversight. As this debate continues, the decisions made by universities like Harvard will likely influence the broader landscape of academic freedom and institutional autonomy in the United States.