Generally that power is financial. The government can’t directly tell private institutions like NYU what to do.

But they can, and do, take away or withhold government funds for grants and research.

Buuuut … all that is held up right now. And if Trump has his way, that’s all gone regardless.

So I’m guessing this is a classic case of making decisions by the university based on old thinking.

Seattle Children’s Hospital is doing the same for the time being.