The US government has issued a stern warning to Harvard University, threatening to prevent the institution from enrolling foreign students after Harvard refused to comply with demands from the Trump administration.
The White House has called on the prestigious university to make adjustments to its hiring, admissions, and teaching practices, claiming these changes would help combat antisemitism on campus.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused the Ivy League school of "jeopardizing national security" and "submitting to antisemitism" in a statement on Wednesday.
She further demanded information on foreign student visa holders involved in what she referred to as "illegal and violent" activities. International students currently make up over 27% of Harvard’s enrollment for the year.
In response, Harvard President Alan Garber reassured the university community that it would not compromise its autonomy or constitutional rights, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to its independence.
The university’s financial standing is at risk, as the government has frozen $2.2 billion (£1.7bn) in federal funding. Trump also previously threatened to eliminate a key tax exemption, which could cost Harvard millions annually.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump criticized Harvard, saying, "Harvard can no longer be considered even a decent place of learning, and should not be on any list of the World’s Great Universities or Colleges. Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds."
This attack on Harvard is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration. During his campaign, Trump vowed to clamp down on universities he deemed hostile to conservative viewpoints. Since taking office, his administration has focused on campuses where pro-Palestinian protests have occurred, with some Jewish students reporting feelings of safety concerns and harassment.
The government's task force on antisemitism, established in February, has already flagged at least 60 universities for further scrutiny.
In March, Columbia University yielded to several demands after $400 million (£310m) in federal funding was withheld due to accusations that the institution failed to adequately address antisemitism.
Columbia agreed to restructure its Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies department and promised to review its admission processes to ensure fairness.
Harvard has also made some concessions, including the dismissal of leaders at its Center for Middle Eastern Studies, who were criticized for not adequately representing Israeli perspectives.
Harvard has yet to respond publicly to Noem’s latest set of demands.
Source: BBC
BDST: 1231 HRS, April 17, 2025
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