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Harvard College dean Khurana warns of sacrifices amid funding freeze
After Trump froze $2.2B in funding and Harvard president Garber refused to comply, Khurana warned of possible sacrifices ahead.
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Bhavana P1 - Thu, 24, Apr 2025
- 15:22 EDT
- 112
Rakesh Khurana is the dean of Harvard College and his term will end in 2025. Khrana said that student should focus on school as Harvard finds itself at the center of a national debate. / By Amanda Y. Su/ Harvard
As Harvard University grapples with the fallout of a $2.2 billion federal funding freeze imposed by the Trump administration, outgoing Harvard College dean Rakesh Khurana has urged students to remain focused on their academics while acknowledging that the college may have to make difficult sacrifices.
In an interview with The Harvard Crimson, Khurana emphasized that despite the political storm surrounding Harvard's refusal to meet federal demands, students should prioritize their education.
Also read: Harvard University sues to block Trump from slashing billions in research funding
“The context is obviously something people pay attention to and it’s good to be aware of, but our primary focus at the College is to make sure that our students are able to make the full use of their academic, social, and personal experiences here,” he said.
The freeze, part of a broader review of nearly $9 billion in federal funding, has already prompted a University-wide hiring freeze and has led some Harvard schools, including the T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School, to prepare for layoffs and program reductions.
Khurana predicted that the College might reassess which initiatives are essential. “It could also involve thinking about those aspects of our experience which were nice to have but not necessary to have so as to allow a greater number of students to participate in certain programs,” he said.
The cuts could also limit student research opportunities as several contracts worth tens of millions have been halted. In response, Khurana said classroom learning may take on a greater role in delivering practical skills.
Despite financial uncertainty, Harvard has seen a rise in alumni donations. “Many people believe that the right to pursue truth without threat and reprisal is a fundamental right, not only for universities, but for our society,” Khurana said, reaffirming Harvard’s role in defending academic freedom.
“Harvard, being older than the country, I think has a particular role in setting the tone for this fundamental right that all of us as Americans enjoy,” Khurana concluded .
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