Harvard University offered hope for the disabled postsecondary students on its campus, at least from my perspective. Harvard University initially demonstrated grit facing the onslaught of Donald Trump’s tirade towards postsecondary education, and his unbridled attempt to restructure academia in America. Harvard’s lawsuit contesting the withholding of United States Educational Funds from Harvard demonstrated that such action was a positive move for the institution.
However, recently we have read the headlines where Harvard has agreed to enter into negotiations with Trump to pay a fine of 500 million dollars to pacify him regarding what he terms as violations of his executive orders. Trump is targeting what he claims are anti-Semitic demonstrations on the campus, coupled with a complaint of pro-Palestinian gatherings by students and faculty. Trump also wants DEI concerns addressed at Harvard.
My immediate concern is how programs, such as a Disability Cultural Center, testing centers, and other disability accommodations, will survive with cuts of money discussed in Cambridge. We in the disabled community know that we are the last to be recognized for the need of academic supports on college campuses. I imagine we will be the first to experience cuts in support programs.
The impact on the disabled student will be measurable over time. We disabled can only hope for continued support within the academic community as Harvard enters negotiations with unfriendly, hostile Washington representatives.
George Fuller, Ed.D.
CEO/President, Daniel Jonathan Memorial Fund