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Pentagon Targets 'Woke' Colleges, Cuts Tuition Assistance

3/5/2026

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Defense Department Cuts

The U.S. Department of Defense expanded efforts to cut funding for universities it deems "woke," with William & Mary listed alongside Harvard.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the cancellation of tuition-assistance fellowships for 21 colleges.
William & Mary expressed confusion over its inclusion, emphasizing its commitment to military education.
The memo mentioned potential future partnerships with other institutions, including Regent University.

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Harvard Supports Military

The Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) will allow accepted active-duty military students to defer enrollment for up to four years or seek expedited admissions at four other universities.
This decision follows a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which ends academic ties between the military and Harvard.
HKS Dean Jeremy Weinstein reaffirmed the school's commitment to military applicants despite Pentagon restrictions.
The participating universities are the University of Chicago, Tufts University, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Michigan.
Approximately 8% of HKS students have military affiliations, reflecting the school's historical connection to service members.

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Defense Department Cuts

The U.S. Department of Defense expanded efforts to cut funding for universities it deems "woke," with William & Mary listed alongside Harvard.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the cancellation of tuition-assistance fellowships for 21 colleges.
William & Mary expressed confusion over its inclusion, emphasizing its commitment to military education.
The memo mentioned potential future partnerships with other institutions, including Regent University.

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