Harvard Letter Demanding DEI Cuts Was Sent Without Authorization, University Spokesperson Calls It 'Astonishing Overreach'

According to the New York Times, a letter demanding that Harvard University dismantle DEI programs and screen international students for ideology was reportedly unauthorized. The letter, signed by three senior federal officials and sent on government letterhead, placed nearly $9 billion in federal funding at risk. Harvard rejected the demands, prompting the White House to freeze over $2 billion in grants. A university spokesperson called the letter “astonishing in its overreach” and said the government’s actions have real consequences.