Harvard University will lay off staff at its engineering school after facing years of financial pressure and changes in federal policies. The John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences will cut staff and restructure several offices.
David Parkes, the school’s dean, said higher endowment taxes and changes in research funding have created huge financial strain. “We cannot bridge the budget gap without reducing our workforce,” he added.
Reports suggest around 40 staff members may lose their jobs, though Harvard did not confirm the exact number. The layoffs aim to adjust the school to the new funding environment.
Harvard, the oldest and richest US university with a $53 billion endowment, has battled the federal government after more than $2 billion in research funding was frozen. The Trump administration criticized the university over alleged antisemitism, political bias, China ties, and opposition to diversity efforts.
Last month, Harvard won a legal victory when a judge ruled the government violated its free speech rights by cutting funding. About $46 million in suspended funds have since been released. Nearly 37% of the engineering school’s revenue comes from federally sponsored research.
