Attack on science: Harvard defends itself against Trump's requirements!

Attack on science: Harvard defends itself against Trump's requirements!

On May 27, 2025, the Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) responded to the current threat to academic freedom in a statement. Prof. Dr. Walter Rosenthal, President of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK), strongly criticized the US government's measures against Harvard University. This has decided to ban international students from admission to the university, which is forcing some students who are already enrolled to transfer to other universities or lose their residence status. Rosenthal describes the US government’s actions as an “unjustifiable attack on academic freedom.”

The RUB Rectorate supports the HRK's opinion and emphasizes the importance of the principles of academic freedom, diversity and international networking. According to the statement, the Trump administration's actions endanger the effectiveness of the US scientific system and contradict the values ​​of a free society. Rosenthal expresses his incomprehension about the political pressure on universities and science in the USA, which is described as catastrophic.

Solidarity with science

The Science Council (WR) and the HRK also express their concern about the attacks on academic freedom in the USA. They declare their solidarity with US institutions and scientists. The Trump administration's anti-science policies are viewed as a serious threat to the national and international scientific community. There are warnings about the serious consequences of populist attacks on academic freedom. Massive cuts in funding and layoffs are on the horizon, which could primarily affect health and climate research as well as parts of the humanities and social sciences.

In this worrying situation, Deutschlandfunk reports that the pressure on scientists is leading to a climate of intimidation and self-censorship. The USA has established itself as an important partner for Germany and other research nations for decades. The ongoing attacks on science in the United States threaten not only scientific progress, but also the global challenges facing the scientific community today.

The Impact on Harvard and the Scientific Community

Harvard University has already taken legal action against the requirements imposed by the Trump administration. This regulation, which restricts international students, was declared unlawful by the US District Court in Massachusetts. Harvard fought the order, which is seen as retaliation for allegations that the university promotes violence and tolerates anti-Semitism. The government's means of applying pressure include freezing billions of dollars in funding and massive job cuts at various federal agencies.

The Trump administration cut funding for research agencies and universities in its first weeks in office, further threatening academic institutions. Universities like Harvard and others have pushed back against increasing political influence and the threats that come with it. There is a demand for a “Scientific Integrity Act” to ensure scientific independence and close a chapter of intimidation.

Overall, it is clear that developments in the USA not only affect national research, but also have serious implications for international scientific cooperation. The current dispute over academic freedom could have far-reaching consequences for the global scientific community.

The reporting through Rub.de, Wissenschaftsrat.de and Deutschlandfunk highlights the critical situation in which the US scientific landscape currently finds itself.