College president whose school takes no fed funding says Harvard 'could make it on their own' after Trump cuts

Fox News - Apr 19th, 2025

Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn shared his perspective on the ongoing conflict between President Donald Trump and Harvard University regarding free speech and antisemitism. The controversy centers around the Trump administration's decision to freeze over $2 billion in federal funding to Harvard following the university's handling of antisemitic incidents on campus. Arnn emphasized that while free speech is a right, academic institutions have a responsibility to maintain a respectful environment, denouncing actions like harassment and discrimination. He suggested that Harvard could choose to operate without federal funding, as Hillsdale College does, to avoid compliance with government stipulations.

This development highlights the tension between governmental influence and institutional autonomy in higher education. Arnn's comments underscore the broader debate on free speech and antisemitism in academic settings. The situation places pressure on Harvard to reconsider its stance on federal funding and its policies on antisemitism. Harvard President Alan Garber has stated that the university will not compromise its independence or constitutional rights, emphasizing that private universities should retain control over their curricula and staffing decisions. This dispute reflects the ongoing national conversation about the role of government in education and the standards of behavior expected within academic communities.

Donald Trump Free Speech Harvard University Antisemitism Federal Funding Education Policy Hillsdale College Larry Arnn

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed account of Larry Arnn's perspective on the conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard University over free speech and antisemitism. It is generally accurate and timely, with clear language and structure that make it accessible to a broad audience. However, the focus on a single perspective limits its balance and impact, as it does not fully explore the broader implications of the funding freeze or include diverse viewpoints. The reliance on a few primary sources affects the depth of analysis and engagement potential. To enhance its quality, the article could benefit from additional perspectives and a more comprehensive examination of the issues at hand. Despite these limitations, the article addresses a topic of significant public interest and contributes to the ongoing debate about the role of government in higher education.

Accuracy

The story provides a detailed account of Larry Arnn’s views on the Trump-Harvard conflict over free speech and antisemitism, citing specific statements from Arnn and actions taken by the Trump administration. However, the accuracy of certain claims, such as the exact amount of federal funding frozen and the impact on Harvard's finances, needs verification. The story mentions a $2.2 billion freeze, which aligns with some reports, but the broader context of this figure and its implications for Harvard requires further confirmation. Additionally, the claim about Hillsdale College's funding model and its historical ties to Abraham Lincoln is accurate but lacks depth in the narrative. Overall, while the story is mostly accurate, some details require additional verification to ensure precision and context.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of Larry Arnn, the president of Hillsdale College, and his views on the Trump administration's actions against Harvard University. While it includes some statements from Harvard's President Alan Garber, the piece leans towards Arnn's perspective, potentially omitting other viewpoints from Harvard faculty or students. The lack of diverse perspectives, particularly from those directly affected by the funding freeze at Harvard, creates an imbalance. Although the article mentions some of Harvard's responses, it does not delve into the broader implications of the funding freeze or the reactions from other stakeholders, which could provide a more balanced view.

Clarity

The article is generally well-structured and easy to follow, with a logical flow of information. It clearly outlines the main points of Larry Arnn's perspective and the actions taken by the Trump administration. The language is straightforward, making the article accessible to a general audience. However, some complex topics, such as the implications of the Civil Rights Act and the specifics of the funding freeze, could be explained in more detail to enhance understanding. Despite these areas for improvement, the article maintains a neutral tone and presents information in a coherent manner.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including direct quotes from Larry Arnn and Harvard President Alan Garber, which adds to its reliability. However, it relies heavily on statements from Arnn and Fox News Digital, limiting the variety of sources. Including input from independent experts or additional academic voices could enhance the credibility and depth of the reporting. The presence of a single primary source (Arnn) suggests a potential conflict of interest, as his college benefits from not accepting federal funding, which may influence his views on Harvard's situation.

Transparency

The article provides clear attribution to the sources of its information, such as quotes from Larry Arnn and Harvard President Alan Garber. However, it lacks detailed context about the broader implications of the funding freeze and does not explain the methodology behind the figures mentioned, such as the $2.2 billion freeze. The article could benefit from disclosing more about the potential biases of the sources or the reasons behind the Trump administration's actions. Overall, while the article is transparent about its sources, it falls short in providing comprehensive context and methodology.