After Harvard, these 60+ universities are now under Trump radar. Check the list
Billions Frozen, Freedoms Challenged
Live Events
Targeting DEI and Campus Protests
A Growing List of Institutions Under Fire
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
The Trump administration is ramping up pressure on American higher education, launching over 100 federal investigations since May 2024. Prestigious institutions like Harvard and Columbia are now at risk of losing student visa privileges, research funding, or even accreditation as part of a sweeping campaign against what officials call 'ideological indoctrination' and rising antisemitism on campuses.Harvard has already been hit with a six-month freeze on foreign student visas, while Columbia faces possible loss of accreditation. These actions signal a broader push by the administration to confront diversity programs, gender identity policies, and responses to pro-Palestinian protests—issues officials say promote biased or unconstitutional practices.More than 60 universities are currently under active investigation. These include elite schools such as Yale, MIT , and Berkeley, as well as large public institutions like the University of Michigan and the University of Washington. The Department of Education has opened at least 104 inquiries, with 70 focused on colleges and universities—many of them nationally ranked.The fallout has already begun. Federal research grants—particularly in fields like climate science, sociology, and public policy—are being delayed or frozen. At Harvard, the visa freeze has caused significant disruption for international students and faculty.Universities are pushing back, accusing the administration of threatening not just funding, but the core values of academic freedom and institutional autonomy.'It's no longer just about student conduct or curriculum—it's about control,' said one Ivy League administrator who requested anonymity.According to Education Week, at least 52 universities are under scrutiny specifically for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The administration claims such initiatives promote race-based programming and violate constitutional principles. Other investigations relate to antisemitism, gender identity policies, and responses to the Gaza conflict.The Trump administration argues that the measures aim to protect Jewish students and dismantle 'leftist indoctrination machines.' But critics say the moves are ideologically driven, not evidence-based.Even universities that have tried to comply—such as Northwestern, which adopted anti-discrimination reforms—have been added to the list, raising concerns about the motives behind the campaign.The list of targeted universities spans public flagships, Ivy League schools, STEM-focused institutions, and liberal arts colleges. Among them:MITUniversity of California, BerkeleyUniversity of MichiganUniversity of PennsylvaniaDuke UniversityCornell UniversityUniversity of Wisconsin–MadisonUniversity of WashingtonVanderbilt UniversityGeorgetown UniversityArizona State UniversityRutgers UniversityCarnegie Mellon UniversityRice UniversityUniversity of ChicagoNew York UniversityUniversity of Oregon Washington University in St. LouisNorthwestern UniversityUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham Western Carolina University(And many more...)Some schools are being investigated for minor compliance failures like incomplete foreign gift disclosures, while others are under scrutiny for allowing or failing to respond to student protests.What's NextWith billions in federal funding on the line and political pressure mounting, American higher education is bracing for a prolonged ideological clash. University leaders warn that these investigations could reshape campus governance and stifle academic freedom, especially for international students, minority scholars, and those involved in activist causes.As the list of investigated institutions continues to grow, so does the uncertainty surrounding the future of higher education under a second Trump term.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
41 minutes ago
- The Hindu
U.S. President Trump says he's open to regime change in Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that could he see Iran rejecting its government leadership, after officials in his administration stressed that the White House was not seeking a regime change. Also read: Israel-Iran conflict updates 'It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change', but if the current Iranian regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn't there be a regime change?' Mr. Trump posted on social media. 'MIGA!!!' The statement marked something of a reversal from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's Sunday (June 23, 2025) morning news conference when he said that regime change was not part of the mission in the aerial bombardment of three Iranian nuclear sites.
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
"America's interference in countries should end": Maharashtra SP chief Abu Azmi
Solapur (Maharashtra) [India], June 22 (ANI): After the Washington bombed Iran's three nuclear sites, Maharashtra Samajwadi Party President Abu Asim Azmi on Sunday said that the US 'interference' in other countries should end. Speaking to the media, Azmi also called Donald Trump's constant claim for the cessation of India-Pakistan hostilities an 'insult' to our country. 'America's interference in other countries should end. Dr Ram Manohar Lohia had said that India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Srilanka, and Nepal should form a federation to counter the US threats. America says they have stopped the India-Pakistan war. This is our insult. PM Modi has repeatedly said it is not true,' Azmi said. Azmi further slammed the US for its silence over Israel's military action in Gaza. 'America is not saying anything about the bombed and starving children in Palestine; it is supporting Israel. First, Israel attacked Iran, and then Iran retaliated. That person (Ali Khamenei) is 85 years old, ...The way he replied to Israel, he has done a wonderful job. I appreciate him,' he said. Azmi's remark came after the US, on early Sunday carried out 'massive precision' strikes on Iran's three nuclear sites -Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow- and warned of further retaliation if peace is not achieved. Rafael Grossi, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said that an emergency meeting would take place on Monday in light of the developments taking place in West Asia. Earlier in the day, the IAEA confirmed that there has been no reported increase in off-site radiation levels following the recent strikes on three key nuclear sites in Iran, including the underground enrichment facility at Fordow. 'Following attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran -- including Fordow -- the IAEA can confirm that no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of this time. IAEA will provide further assessments on the situation in Iran as more information becomes available,' the agency said in a statement. Iran condemned the attacks, calling them a violation of international law and vowed to continue its nuclear program. A statement issued by Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) confirmed that early on Sunday morning, Iran's nuclear sites were 'subjected to savage aggression--an act in violation of international laws, particularly the NPT.' 'This action, which violates international regulations, unfortunately took place under the indifference--and even complicity--of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),' it said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the US military action under the leadership of Trump, stating that Trump's bold decision to target Iranian nuclear facilities will change history. Meanwhile, India continues its evacuation efforts for Indian nationals in Iran, with multiple flights planned to bring back Indians from the conflict-hit region. (ANI)
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Odisha slams US advisory cautioning travel to state over Maoist threat
1 2 Bhubaneswar: A US travel advisory cautioning its citizens from visiting India citing concerns over sexual assaults and Maoists activities in six states, including Odisha, has come in for criticism from the Odisha govt, which considers it a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of PM Narendra Modi and the nation. "As India emerges as the world's fourth-largest economy, US's conspiracy and false narratives through the travel advisory seem designed to undermine our growing global influence under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. Foreign nations, including the US, are unable to accept and digest India's economic progress and global influence," state law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said, while rebutting the US claims. The Level-2 advisory issued on June 16, a day after a 20-year-old student was gang-raped by 10 men at Gopalpur beach, stated, "rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations." The advisory cautions against travel to parts of central and eastern India due to terrorism and Maoist activities. "Attacks against officers of the Indian government continue to occur sporadically in the rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand that border with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Rates Undo Southwest areas of Odisha are also affected," it added. "Due to the changing nature of the threat, US government employees working in India are required to obtain permission prior to travelling to most areas in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya and Odisha," the advisory went on to say. Harichandan said while the United States grapples with violent crimes, it chooses to issue "misleading advisory" about India and Odisha. "Trump should be very much aware that violent crimes like riots and atrocities on women are alarming in the US. The Centre and Odisha govt know how to address issues in our country. Trump and foreign countries should not interfere. Ministry of External Affairs will address the travel advisory issue through proper diplomatic channels," the minister said. Regarding security concerns, the minister pointed out that Maoist presence has significantly gone down in Odisha, aligning with the central govt's goal to eliminate their influence across India by March 2026. Addressing the recent Gopalpur beach gang-rape case, he emphasised, "Whenever any crime has occurred in Odisha, the perpetrators were arrested within 24 or 48 hours. Prompt action has already been taken in the Gopalpur gang-rape incident. Six fast-track courts will soon be set up in Odisha to ensure that trials in cases of crimes against women are completed in one month." Odisha Police also rebuffed the US advisory. ADG (law and order) Sanjay Kumar said, "The content of the advisory is false. Odisha is a safe place for visitors and tourists. Odisha Police have been taking strong action against criminals involved in crimes against women. Prosecution and conviction of the accused in such heinous offences is also a focus area of Odisha Police." Meanwhile, apprehending a decline in the arrival of international tourists, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha said, "We urge the Indian embassies abroad to present factual information backed by official statistics about the decreasing LWE activities in Odisha."
