Harvard Freezes | Power Line

The Trump administration’s pulling of $400 million in grants and contracts has reverberated through the world of higher education. Harvard has announced a hiring freeze, although they don’t quite call it that. The language is turgid, but the point comes through:

Universities throughout the nation face substantial financial uncertainties driven by rapidly shifting federal policies.

Yes, we now have an administration that is opposed to anti-Semitism.

Effective immediately, Harvard will implement a temporary pause on staff and faculty hiring across the University. In the coming days, we will work closely with the leadership of Harvard’s Schools and administrative units to help determine how to implement this guidance in extraordinary cases, such as positions essential to fulfilling the terms of gift- or grant-funded projects. We are also asking the leadership of Schools and administrative units to scrutinize discretionary and non-salary spending, reassess the scope and timing of capital renewal projects, and conduct a rigorous review of any new multi-year commitments.

So, a hiring freeze.

Though current uncertainties touch every corner of the University and of higher education, we are confident that we will be able to address the present challenges together as we continue to pursue academic excellence in service to the nation and the world.

Current uncertainties = the risk that the federal government will sanction Harvard for condoning, and perhaps encouraging, anti-Semitism. The language is high-flown, but the reality on the ground has been brutal.

Earlier today, the Department of Education sent letters to 60 universities, telling them that “it could take enforcement action against them if it determines they aren’t doing enough to protect Jewish students from discrimination or harassment.” Good. Hiring freezes all around, would be a desirable outcome.