Harvard Disagreement Finds Holy Cross in Opposition
In recent news, the Green Fund referendum at Holy Cross College is being led by Raphaella Mascia '21, aiming to promote sustainability initiatives at the College by increasing the Student Activity Fee. Simultaneously, the Trump administration has been taking a firm stance on educational policies, with a focus on ensuring colleges adhere to the law, particularly Section 6 of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race.
The Trump administration has the right and ability to remove federal funding from educational institutions that fail to comply with these laws. This was demonstrated when hundreds of billions of dollars of federal funding were removed from an unspecified issue. However, this decision to withhold nearly $7 billion in federal education funding has been met with criticism from educators and lawmakers, as it supports a range of programs, including after-school care, teacher training, and mental health services, which are crucial for millions of students, particularly those from vulnerable populations.
The move has been described as a "cruel betrayal" and potentially unlawful, as it contradicts appropriations laws passed by Congress. The 2023-24 academic year has been the most turbulent in recent memory, raising fundamental questions about higher education's place in a world marred by polarization, discontent, and war.
Mass student protests have marked the end of the tumultuous academic year, with students likely to have opinions on this issue. While specific details about students' stances on the funding freeze are not available, it is likely that some students might argue that certain colleges or institutions are on the wrong side of the issue if they are perceived as supporting or not sufficiently opposing the funding cuts. This criticism could stem from concerns about the impact of these cuts on critical educational services and the potential for these institutions to lobby against such policies effectively.
Interestingly, Holy Cross and 150 other colleges have signed a letter supporting Harvard in their fight against the Trump administration. However, the statement made by Rougeau, the president of Holy Cross, emphasizes neutrality and the college's stance that it is not a political entity and should not be involved in political issues.
The writer finds it hypocritical that colleges have a problem with the Trump administration putting conditions on federal aid, when previous administrations have also done so, such as the Obama and Biden administrations placing conditions on federal aid for campus sexual assault policies.
As the academic year comes to a close, the impact of the funding freeze on educational programs and institutions continues to be a topic of discussion and concern. The question remains: how will colleges navigate these challenging political waters while ensuring they provide the best possible education for their students?
- Critics question the Trump administration's decision to withhold federal education funding, stating that it may contravene appropriations laws passed by Congress.
- The ongoing funding freeze has sparked strong opinions among students, with some expressing concerns about its impact on critical educational services.
- There is a likelihood that some students may argue certain schools are on the wrong side of the issue if they are perceived as supporting or not sufficiently opposing the funding cuts.
- Interestingly, despite Rougeau, the president of Holy Cross, asserting the college's neutrality and non-involvement in political issues, Holy Cross and 150 other colleges have signed a letter supporting Harvard in their fight against the Trump administration.
- The writer contends that it is hypocritical for colleges to criticize the Trump administration's conditions on federal aid, as previous administrations, such as the Obama and Biden administrations, have also placed conditions on federal aid, such as campus sexual assault policies.
- As the academic year ends, the profound impact of the funding freeze on educational institutions and their ability to navigate complex political waters while still providing quality education for students remains a topic of ongoing debate and worry.
