The Trump administration announced plans to revoke Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students.
However, the administration backed away from immediate revocation and gave Harvard 30 days to contest the decision through an administrative process.
The big picture: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a notice of intent to withdraw Harvard’s certification under a federal program for non-U.S. student enrollment.
- Harvard argued that the revocation violated its free speech and due process rights under the U.S. Constitution as well as failed to comply with DHS regulations requiring at least 30 days to challenge the allegations.
- If Harvard lost the right to enroll international students, it would impact about a quarter of its student body and devastate the school, the university said.
Driving the news: Harvard accused the administration of retaliating against the school for not complying with demands related to governance, curriculum and ideology.
- The Homeland Security Department issued the notice after Harvard indicated an intent to comply with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program requirements.
- Harvard had enrolled nearly 6,800 international students, constituting about 27% of its total enrollment in the current school year.
- The revocation would prevent Harvard from enrolling new international students and necessitate existing ones to transfer to other schools or risk losing legal status.
What they’re saying: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Harvard of endangering its students and spreading “American hate,” prompting a need for change to receive benefits from the American people.
- Noem accused Harvard of fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.
