Image

Harvard University is 140 years older than the U.S.Credit…Sophie Park for The New York Times

After freezing $2.2 billion in funding to Harvard University, President Trump turned up the pressure yesterday and threatened to revoke its tax-exempt status.

The fight between the Trump administration and the nation’s oldest and most elite university was headed for a showdown that could affect other American institutions.

Harvard has rejected the administration’s demands that it make changes to its policies and programs related to diversity hiring and the tolerance of anti-Israel protests.

Details: With an endowment of $50 billion, Harvard is uniquely positioned to withstand the funding freeze. Its strong refusal of Trump’s demands has injected energy into other universities fearful of the president’s wrath.

Ripple effects: Columbia University, which has faced criticism for not striking a more defiant stand, showed signs of adopting a tougher tone yesterday. The acting president pledged that the university would not allow the government to “require us to relinquish our independence and autonomy.”

For more: Critics say the administration’s demands are an attack on academic freedom. Here’s what to know about Trump’s targeting of universities.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber? Log in.

Want all of The Times? Subscribe.