The Harvard-Trump War. Why You’re Wrong!

Why Harvard, Columbia, and Other Universities Should Receive Billions

Good morning, and Happy Memorial Day weekend. As we take a moment to appreciate the true meaning of this day, let’s also dive into a topic that often sparks misunderstanding: the significant funding received by universities like Harvard and Columbia.

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By seeing the reactions on right-wing media and social media postings, it’s clear that many believe it is money is simply “thrown” at institutions without purpose, but the reality is far more complex and beneficial.

The Power of Research Grants

Universities, whether Harvard or other leading institutions, are major hubs for research and development. The billions they receive are not for lavish personal spending by administrators, but are primarily channeled into critical research initiatives.

It is often much cheaper for the federal government and private companies to fund research at universities like Harvard rather than to conduct it themselves. Universities already possess the infrastructure, specialized equipment, and, most importantly, highly skilled researchers and professors.

Hiring dedicated government employees, building facilities, purchasing equipment, paying salaries, benefits, and pensions would far exceed the cost of university grants.

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For example, consider my alma mater, Florida International University’s (FIU) “Wall of Wind,” capable of generating near Category 6 hurricane-force winds for testing building resilience. Or the University of Miami’s wave tank, used for studying tsunamis and their impact on coastal environments. These are massive investments that wouldn’t be possible through student tuition alone and are too expensive for the government, whether at the state or local level, to conduct this type of research. The same applies to private industry.

But, if tuition were to cover those costs, guess what, tuition costs would increase. As it is, we already have a student loan debt crisis, so making education more expensive is clearly not the solution, but that would be the result.

University research spans an incredibly broad spectrum, from robotics and computer science to environmental studies, like the bat towers at the University of Florida that aid in mosquito control and pollination. This research leads to breakthroughs that benefit us all. Note, the bat towers were not based on government funding or grants.

From a logical perspective, if government or private funding and grants were not successful, then why does it continue? At least from the perspective of private companies, there was a return on investment in terms of research, innovation, and knowledge. But it doesn’t stop there.

The Positive Economic Ripple Effect

The benefits of university funding extend far beyond the research itself, creating a significant positive impact on the economy. It creates jobs, leads to the expansion of testing facilities, which require construction workers and other skilled labor. The purchase of new equipment boosts manufacturing companies. It requires banks to provide loans to buy or lease equipment. It’s a continuous flow of money.

This attracts top students, both domestic and international. These students contribute to the local economy through their spending on housing, food, and entertainment. If those students stay in the United States, guess what? They buy homes, cars, and lease apartments. If you don’t think a university can affect an entire town financially in a positive way, then I suggest you visit the University of Florida (almost $17 billion annually)!

So it’s not “free money.” There’s no such thing as a free lunch. Those research grants and funding provided by the federal government serve a purpose that benefits us all. Yet, here we are. The Trump Administration is attacking universities. The economic effects will be felt, just like the U.S. is now being boycotted for travel. There’s even an acronym for it: A.B.U.S.A. Anything but the USA.

Colleges and universities can purchase my bankruptcy law textbook directly from Routledge Publishing. Paralegals and students who are buying single copies can do so via Amazon Books. To access my YouTube channel, click this link. You can also listen to my podcast on Spotify.

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Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only. Also, note that this transcript was edited for clarity. The transcription may contain inaccuracies or errors due to the limitations of transcription software and the quality of the audio. I have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the transcription, but I cannot guarantee it.