Harvard University cited "rapidly shifting federal policies" in its announcement Monday, but didn't elaborate on what it meant.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the academic community, Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have implemented temporary hiring freezes in response to the Trump administration’s widening crackdown on universities.

With uncertainties around federal funding for higher education, some schools are cutting back. Experts say that could hurt not only students and faculty, but ultimately make the U.S. less competitive.