On May 12, 2025, Harvard University President Claudine Gay responded publicly to U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon's announcement of a significant $2.2 billion funding cut aimed at the university.

In her letter, McMahon accused Harvard of undermining the higher education system and criticized its affirmative action policies, while also raising concerns about the backgrounds of its students.

This scrutiny is part of a broader campaign by the White House targeting several universities, including Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania, amid rising tensions over campus antisemitism and issues related to transgender athletes.

In his response, Garber emphasized that Harvard's initiatives to combat antisemitism and uphold academic excellence are threatened by what he described as federal overreach into the university's constitutional freedoms.

Garber condemned the government's attempts to control university operations as unlawful, asserting Harvard's commitment to open debate and academic integrity.

While acknowledging some alignment with the government's critiques, Garber condemned their methods as illegal and counterproductive.

He outlined various institutional measures Harvard is implementing to address antisemitism and anti-Muslim bias, including centralized disciplinary procedures and increased studies on Judaism.

Garber also referenced recent reports from Harvard that address the painful impacts of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which have highlighted issues of social exclusion faced by Jewish and pro-Israeli students.

He expressed regret over past failures to meet community expectations regarding antisemitism and anti-Muslim bias, amidst ongoing federal investigations into the university's practices.

Garber concluded his letter by expressing hope for a productive partnership between higher education and the federal government, emphasizing the historically beneficial relationship that fosters innovation and economic growth.

Despite the tensions, he left the door open for future dialogue with the government regarding federal funding and collaborations.

Garber described the funding cuts as an unlawful attempt to influence Harvard's core values, reiterating the importance of academic freedom and institutional integrity.