Written By Lexx Thornton
Harvard University is suing the Trump administration over a directive that bars the university from enrolling international students. This action stems from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) revocation of Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), essential for admitting foreign students. The administration justified this move by accusing Harvard of fostering antisemitism, harboring anti-American sentiments, and maintaining ties with Chinese institutions.
In response to the Department of Homeland Security’s abrupt revocation of Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, President Garber stated: “With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body, international students who contribute significantly to the University and its mission.”
On campus, students describe the temperature as tense and somber. There is a lot of anxiety for international students who are on campus. Many of the international students who are on campus do not travel during the summer to go home; they reside at the university. Many are speculating that they should book plane tickets and go home and some even question if they will be looked at as U.S. citizens.
Harvard University has one of the largest endowments in the world worth $50 billion. Harvard invests its endowment across various asset classes: stocks, bonds, private equity, hedge funds, real estate, etc. Typically, about 4–5% of the endowment’s value is spent annually to support university operations. The rest is reinvested to preserve the fund’s value over time and support future generations. Due to very specific donations that are given to Harvard, it’s not as if those funds can be put toward international students under these circumstances.
The school is hoping that a judge will block these actions against the university.
