The top universities in the United States are facing repercussions for not complying with the government, and Harvard is receiving a large  bulk of consequences. Harvard refused to comply with the demands made by the Trump administration. Some of the demands consisted of things the Trump administration has been publicly disapproving of, such as DEI programs and merit system hiring and admission. 

Harvard has been targeted by the Trump administration due to their alleged tolerance of antisemitism, and the university allowing pro-Palestine protests to be held on campus. There has also been a call for more politically diverse viewpoints, more so conservative ones. 

While there have been large controversies surrounding Harvard and its actions regarding many of these issues present, Harvard decided to take a stance against the Trump administration. Harvard is within the capacity of resisting the government because of their deep pockets, with an endowment close to $53 billion to their name. Regardless, the budget cuts of $2.2 billion will leave the university with some damage, such as lay–offs and ceasing multiple research projects. Harvard will not go unscathed, but are prepared to take a hit on their financials. Though in recent news, the administration hasnow threatened to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, unless Harvard hands over a list of its student body. Evidence suggests that the policy is to comb through student visa holders that are suspected to have been involved with “dangerous” activity.  

Many believe that Harvard pushing back against the administration creates a shift in how everything is being handled, and how other universities will continue their battle against the administration. 

What does this mean for CSUSM? 

While CSUSM and most California State University campuses are not in the administration’s front scope at the moment, there is still room for being a target. 

The CSUs have had their fair share of assembly and protest, ranging from pro-Palestine protests to fighting against budget cuts. CSUSM has had its protests that have gained traction from the community, such as the protest when IDF soldiers were coming onto campus. There was outrage within the community, and even people from off campus joined students in front of the Kellogg Library. Since the administration has been targeting universities that allow pro-Palestine protests, due to the claim that the protests are antisemitic, there is a chance that CSUSM could be targeted. 

Not only does CSUSM hold protests, but CSUSM also has programs that go against the Trump administration’s views on DEI. CSUSM has an Office of Inclusive Excellence, classes dedicated to Ethnic Studies, and Multicultural programs. As the university continues to grow, more programs are bound to sprout. But with the new administration, the universities’ growth might be stunted by federal restrictions. With federal funds on the line, CSUSM does not have the deep pockets that Harvard has, especially since as CSUSM is a public university. 

If CSUSM becomes a target, there are two choices the university could make. Either follow in Harvard’s footsteps and refuse to conform or comply with the administration for the sake of federal funds.