The government of America has issued the threat of freezing over $500 million in federal grants from Brown University. The action is part of an ambitious effort by the President Trump administration to take action against universities where there has been pro-Palestinian protest. Brown and other high-end schools like Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia are under attack due to concerns about rising antisemitism on campuses.
Protests Lead to Funding Cuts
Pro-Palestinian protests have become commonplace on many U.S. college campuses since Israel began its military assault in Gaza after a deadly Hamas attack in 2023. President Trump and his administration have denounced the protests as antisemitic and blamed students for being Hamas sympathizers. Because of this, federal funding has been withheld from institutions believed to allow these protests without strong measures.
Brown University Responds
Brown University officials said that they have yet to receive official notice of the freeze but overheard rumors. University Provost Frank Doyle reported the university is listening and waiting to hear something. There has yet to be specific word from the government about how Brown can escape the funding freeze.
Harsh Conditions for Harvard
Apart from freezing Brown’s grants, the government has also set strict conditions on Harvard University. As per a letter from the Education and Health Departments, Harvard must prohibit masks during protests, end its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, and completely abide by the police. As per protesters, they wear masks to avoid harassment, but as per the government, it will enable them to avoid accountability.
Harvard has already moved by placing its Palestine Solidarity Committee on probation and barring the group from sponsoring events until July. There are also leadership transitions in some of Harvard’s departments, especially those that handle Middle Eastern studies.
Other Universities Also Affected
Brown and Harvard are not the only two schools that have suffered consequences. Columbia University recently lost $400 million in federal funds. It was made to agree to several changes before it could negotiate getting the funds returned. Princeton University also stated that several of its research grants have been suspended.
These measures are included in a larger review of how colleges handle campus demonstrations and controversial issues. The Trump administration is also considering $9 billion in contracts and grants given to Harvard.
Issues with Free Speech
Human rights groups and academic leaders are ringing the alarm. They view the government’s move as an attack on free speech and academic freedom. Many hold that it is not equivalent to being antisemitic to criticize the behavior of a nation, like Israel. Some also fear rising Islamophobia and anti-Arab bigotry in how these protests are being handled.
Foreign students who engaged in demonstrations have also been arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), some at risk of deportation.
A Dangerous Time for U.S. Colleges
Brown’s funding suspension is merely one aspect of a broader struggle between government coercion and academic freedom. Several more universities are under threat of funding removal, and many fear the future of open debate and protest on American campuses.
