The US government has warned Harvard University that it might be banned from enrolling foreign students. This comes after Harvard refused to follow certain demands from President Donald Trump’s administration, which led to a freeze on the university’s funding.
The White House has asked Harvard to make changes in hiring, admissions, and teaching practices to help fight antisemitism on campus. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has also requested records about what she called the “illegal and violent” activities of foreign students at Harvard.
Harvard has responded by saying that it has already taken many steps to address antisemitism. It believes the administration’s demands are an attempt to control its academic freedom. In a message to the university community, Harvard President Alan Garber stated that the university would not give up its independence or its constitutional rights.
Noem’s recent request says that Harvard could lose the “privilege” of enrolling foreign students if it does not provide the records. Harvard acknowledged receiving this request, which was sent in a letter.
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International students make up more than 27% of Harvard’s students this year. The university is already facing a freeze of about $2.2 billion in federal funding. Additionally, President Trump has threatened to remove Harvard’s tax exemption, which could cost the university millions of dollars annually. Harvard has stated that there is “no legal basis” for removing its tax exemption and that such a move would harm its ability to educate students.
Trump criticized Harvard again on Wednesday, saying it was no longer a “decent place of learning.”
The US government’s actions against Harvard are not unique. The antisemitism task force has also reviewed at least 60 other universities.
During his presidential campaign, Trump pushed for cutting funding to universities he believes are hostile to conservatives. Polls show that many Americans, especially Republicans, have lost trust in higher education institutions, partly because they think universities push a political agenda.
Since becoming president, Trump has focused on universities where pro-Palestinian protests have occurred. Some Jewish students have said they felt unsafe or harassed on campus.
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In March, Columbia University agreed to some of the administration’s demands after losing $400 million in federal funding over accusations of not fighting antisemitism. These demands included replacing the head of the university’s Middle Eastern studies department and reviewing its admissions process.
Harvard has also made some changes, like removing the leaders of its Center for Middle Eastern Studies for not representing Israeli viewpoints. However, Harvard has drawn a line at the latest demands from the White House.
