Harvard University's international student admissions suspended

In the U.S., the Donald Trump administration has suspended Harvard University's international student admission program, citing the school's failure to "comply with relevant laws," particularly in light of its prominence in pro-Palestine demonstrations.

In a statement shared on her X account, Secretary Noem stated, "I am announcing that Harvard University's Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification has been revoked, effective immediately."

The U.S. Secretary stated that the Trump administration holds Harvard responsible for "promoting violence and antisemitism on its campus and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party."

Arguing that the admission of foreign students by universities is a privilege rather than a right, Noem remarked, "Harvard had many opportunities to do the right thing, but they refused. Because they did not comply with the law, they have lost their Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification."

THE DISPUTE BETWEEN TRUMP AND HARVARD

The federal government had previously threatened to freeze federal funding for several universities, including Harvard, citing campus protests in support of Palestine as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

During this process, an "Antisemitism Task Force" was established in partnership with the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the General Services Administration (GSA).

The Trump administration had decided to freeze $2.2 billion in funding and a $60 million contract value provided to Harvard, while the university filed a lawsuit to block this decision, arguing that the federal government's freezing of funds was unlawful.