In the world of higher education, true freedom comes with a price tag that many institutions aren’t willing to pay. Like a bird that complains about its cage while refusing to fly through the open door, elite universities claim to cherish independence while clinging desperately to the government purse strings that bind them.

The clash between principles and paydays has never been more evident than in the current standoff between the Trump administration and America’s oldest university. Earlier this month, President Trump’s antisemitism task force froze $2 billion in grants to Harvard University after the school failed to adequately address growing concerns about antisemitism on campus. The administration later floated the possibility of stripping Harvard’s tax-exempt status when the university’s leadership defiantly stated they would not comply with federal demands.

Harvard President Alan Garber insisted the university would “not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights,” claiming that “no government should dictate what private universities can teach, who they can admit and hire.” Yet this statement reveals an astonishing lack of self-awareness. Can an institution truly claim independence while fighting tooth and nail to keep billions in government handouts?

One college president has a refreshingly straightforward answer to Harvard’s dilemma. Larry Arnn, president of Hillsdale College in Michigan, suggests Harvard should simply stop taking federal money if they don’t want to follow federal rules.

From Fox News:
“So the obvious solution would be, don’t take the money from the government, which is what we do,” Arnn said, referring to Hillsdale. “The fact that they are defending [themselves] is good, and maybe they should have the complete courage of their convictions and just give [the funding] up.”

Arnn points out that if the frozen funds represent Harvard’s annual federal contribution, it would amount to approximately $90,000 per student. Given Harvard’s massive endowment (approaching $50 billion), Arnn suggests, “Maybe they could make it on their own.” Imagine that—Harvard might actually have to rely on its own resources rather than taxpayer dollars!

Hillsdale College has operated without federal funding for decades, maintaining its independence from government oversight while upholding rigorous academic standards. The school, founded in the mid-19th century in part by friends of then-Illinois attorney Abraham Lincoln, has established itself as a bastion of traditional liberal arts education and conservative principles.

Academic Freedom Comes With Responsibility

While defending the right to academic freedom, Arnn also emphasized that such freedom carries responsibilities. “We all have a right to free speech, but if you join the academic community, you don’t get to say whatever you want,” he explained. “You can’t go to physics class and talk about English Lit. Also, you can’t spit on people because they’re Jews or denounce them… because that breaks down the friendship that is necessary to the partnership of a college.”

This balanced approach distinguishes between reasonable academic debate and destructive behavior that undermines the educational environment. Arnn noted the difference between legitimate academic criticism and antisemitic harassment: “It’s perfectly legitimate to say, ‘I don’t agree with it.’ But to say, ‘Israel took that land, and they don’t have a right to it,’ and the response would be, ‘OK, see if you can prove that.’ That’s an academic undertaking.”

A Personal Reflection on Principle-Based Education

As a Hillsdale alumnus, I’ve experienced firsthand what education looks like when an institution answers only to its mission rather than federal mandates. Trust me, it’s refreshingly different. The college’s independence isn’t just marketing fluff—it’s woven into every aspect of campus life. When was the last time Harvard students understood they weren’t entitled to anything except the education they signed up for?

“Every transaction at Hillsdale College is a voluntary transaction,” Arnn emphasized. “Nobody comes here unless they want to, they have to sign an honor code to come.” This commitment to voluntary association creates a different kind of accountability—one based on mutual agreement rather than regulatory compliance. And guess what? It actually works.

The contrast with Harvard couldn’t be clearer. While Harvard demands independence with one hand while grabbing billions in taxpayer dollars with the other, Hillsdale has earned its freedom by refusing government funds altogether. The path of true independence isn’t easy—I’ve seen the sacrifices firsthand—but it allows an institution to stand firmly on its principles without compromise.

Perhaps Harvard should consider whether its principles are worth more than its federal funding. Or is that $2 billion more important than the “independence” they claim to cherish? As Arnn suggested, “My suggestion [to Harvard] would be to go in the right direction. It’s written in your own history. And you should probably do it with your own resources if you don’t like bureaucrats in Washington telling you what to do.”

In the end, true academic freedom requires more than bold statements—it demands the courage to put your money where your mouth is.

Key Takeaways

• Harvard claims to want independence while fighting to keep $2 billion in federal funding that Hillsdale College has proudly refused for decades.
• Hillsdale President Larry Arnn suggests Harvard should “have the courage of their convictions” and operate without government funds.
• True academic freedom requires both rights and responsibilities—allowing debate while preventing harassment and antisemitism.
• Educational institutions that choose financial independence gain the freedom to uphold their principles without government interference.

Sources: Fox News, Fox Business