Harvard University is facing heightened pressure from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has threatened to revoke its authorization to enrol foreign students. In addition, federal grants totalling over $2.7 million have been abruptly cancelled. This latest move follows a $2.2 billion freeze in federal funding imposed after the university declined to meet certain controversial demands from the Trump administration.
DHS Demands Transparency and Compliance
In a pointed letter, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem called on Harvard to provide detailed records of activities involving foreign students with visas, particularly focusing on any “illegal and violent” behaviour. The letter, dated early April, sets a deadline of April 30 for the university to comply or risk losing its certification for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
“If Harvard can not verify it is fully compliant with federal reporting requirements, it will forfeit the privilege of enrolling foreign students,” the DHS stated.
Secretary Noem further criticized Harvard’s leadership, accusing it of fostering an environment that fuels extremism. “Harvard bending the knee to antisemitism, driven by its spineless leadership, fuels a cesspool of extremist riots and threatens our national security,” she stated.
This rhetoric comes amid heightened scrutiny of campus politics at Harvard, where tensions have escalated following pro-Palestinian protests on campus.
Harvard Pushes Back
Harvard, home to 6,793 international students this year, has been firm in its response. University President Alan Garber reaffirmed Harvard’s commitment to its principles, stating, “The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.”
The administration’s demands, outlined in a letter last week, included ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and disciplining students involved in unauthorized protests, such as a recent pro-Palestinian encampment in Harvard Yard.
A spokesperson for Harvard emphasized the institution’s commitment to both legal compliance and academic freedom:
“Harvard will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights. We continue to comply with the law and expect the administration to do the same.”
Federal Grants Withdrawn
The DHS has cancelled two significant grants previously awarded to Harvard: the $800,303 Implementation Science for Targeted Violence Prevention grant and the $1,934,902 Blue Campaign Program Evaluation and Violence Advisement grant.
Potential Tax Implications
In addition to these measures, former President Trump has floated the idea of revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status, suggesting it should be treated as a political entity subject to taxation.
Implications for International Students and Higher Education
This escalating conflict between Harvard and the federal government raises critical questions about academic freedom, federal oversight, and the role of universities in navigating political tensions. For international students, the situation introduces uncertainty about their future at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. As the deadline looms, all eyes are on Harvard to see how it will navigate this pivotal moment.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
