Garber Takes a Stand Against Trump: A Surge of Support from Harvard Donors | Your Source for the Latest News | The Harvard Crimson

Harvard is feeling the love after President Alan M. Garber stood up to the Trump administration. In just one day, the university got over 3,800 donations, adding up to more than $1 million. That’s more than 40 times what they usually see in a day! This surge shows strong support for Garber at a crucial moment.

Harvard is facing a $2.2 billion cut in federal funding and has recently seen a drop in private donations. Some longtime donors, worried about the direction the university was heading, decided to step up because they believed Garber was taking a stand worth backing. Peter L. Malkin, a notable alumnus, felt his donation could help at this critical time. He said, “It’s a time of special need, and I have faith in the current leadership.”

Recent events, like Hamas’ attack on Israel, have caused significant unrest, leading some big donors to pause their contributions. For instance, the Wexner Foundation ended its partnership with Harvard Kennedy School, criticizing the university’s response to the situation. Similarly, hedge fund manager Kenneth C. Griffin announced he would be stopping his donations, citing concerns over antisemitism on campus.

Despite this, the support for Garber’s decision is a promising sign. Faculty members and notable alumni have shown eagerness to engage and give more, seeing this as a moment for change. University Professor emeritus Laurence H. Tribe noted an overwhelming positive response to boosting donations, indicating that many who previously had a negative view of Harvard were inspired to contribute.

Mark E. Pelofsky, another graduate, switched from disappointment to action after Garber’s announcement. Many are sending donations to unrestricted funds, allowing Harvard to decide how best to use the money. “We’re giving Harvard flexibility during tough times,” he explained.

However, it’s important to remember that while this wave of support is heartening, it may not be enough to fully cover the losses from federal cuts. Alumni like Michael T. Kerr pointed out that fundraising efforts will help, but the scale of federal cuts could still overshadow them.

Harvard’s leadership has acted quickly to capitalize on this support. Dean Hopi E. Hoekstra sent messages to top donors, seeking engagement and offering meetings to discuss the future. This proactive approach shows their determination to restore relationships with alumni who may have felt alienated.

There’s a growing sense of pride among alumni, with many hopeful about the university’s future direction. Former Board of Overseers member Eve J. Higginbotham expressed that Garber’s stand has encouraged her to consider increasing her donations in the future.

The path ahead will require continued effort and unity from the Harvard community. With both challenges and opportunities on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how this newfound support plays out in the long run. Harvard’s resilience may just pave the way for a renewed commitment to its mission in education and research.

For a deeper dive into the financial impact of federal funding on universities, you can read a report from the Pew Research Center, which explores trends in higher education funding.

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