Donald Trump Attacks Harvard University, Demands Information on 31% Foreign Students, Threatens Funding Cuts; Court Grants Temporary Restraining Order, Leaving Indian Students' Future Uncertain.
Harvard University: A major controversy has erupted surrounding Harvard University, one of America's most prestigious institutions. Former President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Harvard, claiming that approximately 31% of its students are foreign nationals, many from countries he alleges are not friendly to the United States. He further accused Harvard of receiving billions of dollars in funding from the US government while refusing to share information about its foreign student population.
Trump's Strong Statement: Demanding Identity of 31% Foreign Students
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Why isn’t Harvard revealing that approximately 31% of their students are from foreign countries, some of which are not at all friendly to the United States? These countries contribute nothing to America, nor do their students pay anything towards their education. Harvard has $520 million (approximately ₹4 billion INR) in endowment, so they should use it and stop taking money from the Federal Government.”
Serious Allegations Against Harvard: The US Government's Response
The Trump administration recently revoked Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, effective immediately. This means Harvard can no longer admit new foreign students, and its approximately 7,000 existing foreign students may be forced to transfer to other universities or face visa cancellation.
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem leveled serious accusations against Harvard, stating, "Harvard is promoting violence, anti-Semitic ideology, and ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Admitting foreign students is a privilege, not a right. All universities must abide by the law.”
Harvard's Response: Court Action and Next Steps
Harvard has vehemently denied these allegations, deeming them unconstitutional and filing a lawsuit in Boston's federal court. Harvard argues that the Trump administration's actions violate the university's academic freedom, the First Amendment, and due process. Harvard maintains that international students are a vital part of its mission and that without them, Harvard would not be Harvard.
Harvard's petition stated, “This decision will severely impact the university and its more than 7,000 international students. Approximately 27% of our students are international, with a significant number of Indian students. If this decision is implemented, the futures of thousands of students will be at stake.”
Court Ruling: Temporary Relief, Hearing Continues
Boston District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration's decision. She stated that Harvard could suffer irreparable harm, and the order will remain in effect until the full hearing of the case. The next hearing is scheduled for May 27th and 29th.
Funding Issue: Billions of Dollars at Stake
The Trump administration froze Harvard's $2.2 billion in federal grants and an additional $450 million in funding. The administration demanded that Harvard shut down its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, change its admissions policy, and conduct audits of certain Middle-East related academic programs. Harvard has refused to comply with these demands.
