🎓 Harvard President Alan Garber has issued a fiery response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to revoke the university’s tax-exempt status, calling the potential fallout a ‘devastating blow’ to education and research. In a recent interview, Garber emphasized that tax exemptions allow institutions like Harvard to ‘focus on innovation, not IRS forms’ – but this clash reveals deeper tensions about academia’s role in political battles.
💥 Why It Matters: Tax exemptions save universities billions annually. Losing this status could force Harvard to slash research budgets, scholarships, and community programs. ‘Our mission isn’t partisan – it’s about advancing knowledge,’ Garber stated, framing the threat as an attack on academic freedom.
⚠️ Bigger Picture: Critics argue Trump’s move – likely linked to his ongoing disputes with elite institutions – sets a dangerous precedent. Garber warned that weaponizing tax policy against schools for political disagreements sends a ‘terrifying message’ to universities nationwide. Could this spark a wider war on education funding? Stay tuned.
