A letter from the Trump administration that triggered a heated dispute with Harvard University may have been sent in error, according to two officials familiar with the matter, as reported by The New York Times. The “unauthorized” letter, penned by Sean Keveney, acting general counsel of the Department of Health and Human Services and a member of the antisemitism task force, should not have been dispatched, the officials revealed. However, a senior White House official defended the letter’s content, asserting that Harvard’s failure to engage in dialogue exacerbated the situation, though a pathway to renewed talks remains open.
White House senior policy strategist May Mailman criticized Harvard’s response, telling the Times, “It was malpractice on the side of Harvard’s lawyers not to pick up the phone and call the members of the antisemitism task force they had been talking to for weeks.” She accused Harvard of embarking on a “victimhood campaign” instead of addressing the issue directly. Harvard, in response, rejected the notion that it was obligated to initiate discussions after receiving the letter, which they argue was official and unambiguous. The university stated, “The letter was signed by three federal officials, placed on official letterhead, sent from a senior federal official’s email on April 11 as promised,” emphasizing that such correspondence, despite its “sweeping demands,” is not typically questioned for authenticity.
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The clash stems from the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on universities over pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel protests on campuses, which erupted following Hamas’ October 2023 attack that killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. The administration has threatened to cut federal funding to universities, labeling the protests as antisemitic and sympathetic to Hamas, while also revoking hundreds of visas and attempting to deport foreign protesters. Many in the American Jewish community are concerned about the administration’s approach, citing threats to free speech and due process, though they agree action is needed to address rising antisemitism. Harvard has maintained its commitment to combating antisemitism while safeguarding academic freedoms and the right to protest.
Key Points:
- Unauthorized Letter: A letter from the Trump administration to Harvard, sent by Sean Keveney of the antisemitism task force, was reportedly unauthorized and sent in error, per two officials.
- White House Stance: A senior White House official supports the letter’s content, blaming Harvard for not engaging in talks, but notes a path to dialogue remains open.
- Harvard’s Response: Harvard insists the letter’s official nature—signed by federal officials, on letterhead, and sent as promised—did not warrant questioning its authenticity.
- White House Criticism: Senior policy strategist May Mailman accuses Harvard of “malpractice” for not contacting the task force and instead launching a “victimhood campaign.”
- Broader Context: The dispute ties to Trump’s crackdown on universities over pro-Palestinian protests, with threats to cut federal funding, revoke visas, and deport foreign protesters.
- Community Concerns: American Jews worry about threats to free speech and due process in the administration’s approach, despite acknowledging the need to combat antisemitism.
- Harvard’s Position: The university emphasizes its efforts to fight antisemitism while preserving academic freedoms and protest rights.
