The U.S. Division of Homeland Safety (DHS) has warned Harvard College that it’s going to lose its capability to enrol overseas college students if it fails to satisfy the Trump administration’s calls for for info on sure visa holders.
Division of Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem, in an announcement on Wednesday, revealed the termination of two DHS grants price over $2.7 million to Harvard.
In a direct message to the college, Noem stated she had written a letter demanding information on what she described because the “unlawful and violent actions” of some overseas pupil visa holders on the college.
“And if Harvard can’t confirm it’s in full compliance with its reporting necessities, the college will lose the privilege of enrolling overseas college students,” Noem acknowledged.
This motion marks the most recent escalation within the federal authorities’s strain marketing campaign in opposition to the distinguished establishment.
In response, a Harvard spokesperson confirmed the college had acquired Noem’s letter.
“The college was conscious of Noem’s letter concerning grant cancellations and scrutiny of overseas pupil visas,” the spokesperson stated.
He added that the establishment stood by its earlier assertion to “not give up its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights” whereas nonetheless affirming that it’s going to “adjust to the legislation.”
This transfer comes amid a broader Trump administration effort to penalise universities over pro-Palestinian protests, lots of that are seen as responses to Israel’s navy marketing campaign in Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas assault. The administration has portrayed the protests as a nationwide safety problem.
President Donald Trump has branded many protesters as “overseas coverage threats who’re antisemitic and sympathetic to Hamas.”
Nevertheless, organisers, together with Jewish advocacy teams, argue the protests are centred on human rights and shouldn’t be conflated with extremism.
The administration has gone so far as revoking lots of of visas and is pushing for the deportation of some overseas pupil protesters.
Secretary Noem sharply criticised Harvard’s stance, citing its huge monetary reserves as a purpose it might function with out authorities assist.
“With a $53.2 billion endowment, Harvard can fund its personal chaos – DHS gained’t,” she stated.
She accused the college of fostering an “anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology”.
Harvard has beforehand stated it condemns antisemitism and all types of prejudice, whereas additionally defending tutorial freedom and college students’ rights to protest.
