After a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump administration’s attempt to stop Harvard University from enrolling international students, the move was seen as a short-term win for the prestigious school. However, it is noteworthy that this legal relief is not permanent.
The administration’s earlier decision to prevent Harvard from admitting foreign students still poses a serious risk, which also puts spotlight on the extent of the clash between the government and the university.
Harvard’s legal team warned the court that if the school’s 6,800 international students were to lose their visa status, as directed by the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday, the consequences would be both immediate and severe, a Bloomberg report said. University president Alan Garber also noted that this action puts the futures of thousands of students and scholars in jeopardy.
Just hours after Harvard filed a lawsuit on Friday, federal judge Allison Burroughs agreed to temporarily stop the government’s action while she reviews Harvard’s request to cancel the ban. She also plans to hold a hearing soon to decide whether to extend the pause, reported Bloomberg.
At the same time, Burroughs is also presiding over another lawsuit Harvard filed in April, in which they are trying to stop the government from freezing over $2 billion in federal funding.
The Trump administration says it is taking action against Harvard because of how the university has dealt with anti-semitism on campus and other concerns. In addition, US agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education are also looking into the school for other possible issues, including discrimination.
Millions in tuition fee
About 27% of Harvard’s students are from other countries, reported Bloomberg. Although the school offers financial aid based on need for undergraduates, still these international students pay millions in tuition. Harvard is also a globally established and recognised name.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on Thursday that Harvard did not give enough information when asked about the problems involving foreign students. Because of this, the government suspended Harvard’s certification to enroll international students. This means current foreign students might have to transfer to another school or lose their legal student status in the US.
To get its certification back, Harvard had 72 hours to give six types of information from the past five years, which included disciplinary records and video footage of foreign students who joined the protests.
In a recent report, Harvard admitted that there had been cases of anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim behavior on campus. University President Alan Garber had apologised and promised to make more changes, reported Bloomberg.
In court, Harvard said it had been regularly sharing the required data with the Department of Homeland Security, including extra details about disciplinary actions involving international students.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on Friday said that what the Trump administration is carrying “a direct attack on Boston and our communities.” She added that Harvard’s international students help with research and also support local causes by volunteering, Bloomberg reported. Wu is a graduate of both Harvard College and its law school.