United States: The US government has threatened to block Harvard University from enrolling international students, escalating its standoff with the Ivy League institution over alleged antisemitism on campus.
The echoing demands from President Donald Trump, have pressed Harvard to overhaul its hiring, admissions, and teaching policies measures it claims are necessary to combat antisemitism. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused the university of threatening national security and ‘bending the knee to antisemitism,’ in remarks delivered. She also called for detailed records on foreign students allegedly involved in ‘illegal and violent’ actions.
International students make up over 27 percent of Harvard’s student body, and any federal action to block visas would have sweeping consequences for the university’s global reputation and finances. Harvard President Alan Garber stated that, “The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.”
At stake are billions in federal funding. Authorities have already frozen $2.2 billion, while Trump still a dominant force in Republican politics has threatened to withdraw Harvard’s tax-exempt status, a move that could cost the university millions annually.
Trump remarked that, “Harvard can no longer be considered even a decent place of learning. Harvard is a Joke, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds.”
The pressure campaign against Harvard is part of a broader crackdown on universities sensed by the administration as failing to protect Jewish students or suppress pro-Palestinian activism. The White House’s antisemitism task force, launched in February, has flagged at least 60 institutions for review.
Columbia University faced similar threats earlier this year and ultimately agreed to several government demands including staff changes and a pledge to ensure admissions were unbiased after $400 million in federal support was suspended.
Harvard has made some changes in response to the scrutiny. In March, the university removed the leadership of its Centre for Middle Eastern Studies following criticism over its handling of Israeli perspectives. However, it has yet to respond publicly to Secretary Noem’s latest ultimatum.
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