Harvard University just got hit hard for the third time by the Trump administration. They have effectively frozen $2.2 billion in federal grants and barred the school from enrolling any future international students. Harvard’s recent decision to maintain its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives despite a stern warning from the Supreme Court. They turned down calls to evaluate foreign students according to ideological grounds.
The funds freeze also came in April, just hours after Harvard refused to act per the administration’s demands. As of the fall 2023 semester, international students make up over 27% of Harvard’s total enrollment, highlighting their critical role in the university’s academic community. This demographic is essential to increasing diversity. Besides contributing in-kind, they make some of the largest financial contributions by paying higher out-of-state tuition.
Kristi Noem, a prominent advocate for the administration’s stance, stated that “this administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus.” Her remarks come at a time of growing criticism over universities’ obligations to keep campuses safe and ideologically diverse.
In a further assertion of the administration’s position, Noem remarked, “It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments. Harvard had plenty of opportunity to do the right thing.” This comment underscores the deep commitment of this administration to enforce ideological litmus tests. They view this as a necessary step for all universities who wish to continue receiving federal research funding.
Making it impossible for Harvard to retain the enrolled foreign students it has adds to the confusion even more. This decision creates a whole new set of hurdles to overcome. This political maneuver has the potential to ruin the academic careers of thousands of international students. These are students who have made a firm commitment to study at Harvard. The university‘s commitment to diversity and inclusion stands in stark contrast to the administration’s approach, creating a contentious environment between federal authorities and one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions.
In many ways, Harvard is leading the way through this complicated and tricky terrain. It is still just as committed to helping educate the full range of students – including those from every nation and background. The university has held firm on the argument that its diversity programs are critical for developing a vibrant academic experience.