Harvard University’s faculty union has pledged to oppose any undisclosed agreement between the university and President Trump’s administration. The union, formed earlier this year, warns that bypassing faculty input on negotiations tied to federal funding and antisemitism accusations would cross a line.
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) chapter, representing over 300 faculty, claims Harvard’s administration is negotiating in secret. Members argue that any deal impacting academic freedom, hiring, or curriculum must include faculty consultation. A Harvard Crimson poll shows 71% of faculty oppose a deal with the administration, and 98% support ongoing legal action to block a freeze on $2.8 billion in federal funding.
Union leaders like Kirsten Weld and Richard Thomas say any compromise that concedes control to federal authorities will be met with “strong” resistance. They are considering collective action, including walkouts, though no timeline has been confirmed.
The Biden-era DEI agenda has faced steep rollback under President Trump’s second term. Harvard, already under federal investigation over antisemitism claims, risks major funding cuts unless it complies with new federal standards. University leadership has not publicly confirmed any deal, leaving professors alarmed that critical decisions may be made without transparency.
The faculty union says the fight is not just about Harvard but about defending academic freedom across U.S. institutions under rising political pressure. The AAUP insists the administration must engage its own professors before striking any agreement with federal authorities.
