Not All Who Wander Are Lost, But Harvard's Funding Seems To Be!

A Shadow Falls on Cambridge!

Hmph! It seems a darkness stirs in the East or rather Washington D.C. News has reached even my ears – ears that have heard the lamentations of Elves and the war cries of Orcs – that the Trump administration has taken a rather… decisive action against Harvard University. They seek to terminate all federal contracts a sum reported to be around $100 million! One might say 'Fly you fools!' to Harvard's dwindling coffers.

One Does Not Simply Walk Into Harvard (With Federal Funds)!

The U.S. General Services Administration in a manner not unlike Saruman dictating terms from Orthanc has accused Harvard of 'race discrimination' in its admission process. It seems even the ivory towers of academia are not immune to the whispers of discontent. They claim Harvard fails to champion 'principles of nondiscrimination.' It reminds me of the Council of Elrond – everyone has an opinion but few seem to agree.

A Fiduciary Responsibility...My Preciousss?

This letter from the GSA speaks of 'safeguarding taxpayer money' and ensuring 'procurement dollars are directed to vendors who promote the national interest.' It sounds a great deal like Gollum coveting the One Ring only instead of power they seek fiscal responsibility. One might ask as I often do 'What about second breakfast?' In this case what about due process and fairness?

Thou Shalt Not Pass (International Students)!

The administration in a move that would make even Boromir raise an eyebrow previously banned Harvard from enrolling international students. It seems they wish to keep knowledge locked away much like Smaug guarding his treasure. Thankfully a federal judge stepped in for now to prevent this folly. Though as Gandalf the Grey I must say restricting knowledge is never the answer. 'All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us,' and denying education is a waste of precious time indeed.

The Frozen Grants of Moria (or Harvard)

Before this latest decree $2.2 billion in federal grants to Harvard were frozen as if trapped in the ice of the Misty Mountains. The administration demanded the elimination of diversity programs and ideological vetting of international students. Such demands are akin to Sauron attempting to control the minds of all Middle earth. Diversity my friends is a strength not a weakness. 'Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement.' Or in this case funding.

To Trade Schools: Ride Out and Meet Them!

And now President Trump suggests diverting the frozen funds to 'TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land.' While I admire the sentiment of supporting practical skills it feels a bit like robbing Peter to pay Paul. It reminds me of Aragorn's decision to risk all at the Black Gate – bold perhaps but fraught with peril. Let us hope this developing news does not lead to a second War of the Ring…or a protracted legal battle which may be much the same thing I suppose.