Colleges are waiting with bated breath after President Trump announced an upcoming deal with Harvard University, fearing concessions that could become a blueprint for what the administration demands of other schools.

After months of frozen funding, multiple federal probes and Trump's attempt to take away Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students, the president said an arrangement would be unveiled within the next two weeks.

Some observers have their doubts about that, seeing no path forward that could both pacify Trump and avoid compromising principles that Harvard President Alan Garber promised to safeguard.

The fight began when the Trump administration sent a letter to Harvard demanding changes such as reforms in hiring and admissions, stricter disciplinary policies and eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Harvard made the letter public and strongly rebuked the demands, saying it would not give up its academic freedom.

That kicked off Trump’s onslaught against the Ivy League institution, beginning with a massive federal funding pause and including Trump’s calls for the school to lose its tax exempt status.

An agreement that is likely to satisfy both sides is hard to imagine for many in higher education.

“If the government and Harvard come to an........

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