Harvard President says critics' "fire is misdirected"

In a special episode of NPR's Up First, Harvard President Alan Garber discusses the Trump administration's actions against Harvard University, including cutting grants, banning international students, and levying taxes. Garber argues the administration's actions are a form of retaliation, possibly driven by a cultural battle against universities, and he defends Harvard's commitment to free speech and viewpoint diversity while acknowledging the university needs to address issues like anti-Semitism and social exclusion. He emphasizes the importance of research funding for the nation's benefit and defends the value of international students for fostering a diverse and globally engaged campus. Garber warns that the administration's actions serve as a warning to all universities and calls on them to stand firm in their commitments to education, the pursuit of truth, and serving the world.