After the Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in funding, it further targeted Harvard by threatening its nonprofit status and the ability to host international students, who make up about a quarter of the university’s population. This led to concerns among faculty about attracting global talent. Tarek Masoud, a Harvard professor, stated that the message sent to international scholars was that they were unwelcome.
Amidst these tensions, Harvard President Alan Garber defended the institution’s stance, emphasizing the importance of universities in the American economic landscape. Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields criticized Harvard’s reaction, suggesting it fueled the administration’s efforts to cut federal funding.
As Harvard faced increasing scrutiny, the Department of Homeland Security demanded information on international students involved in protests, threatening to revoke Harvard’s ability to host them if it did not comply. Some international students voiced feelings of being caught in a political struggle, leading one student to claim they felt like “poker chips.”
In response to fears of deportation, many international students are taking precautions, with some opting to stay on campus over the summer. Concerns are growing among these students about speaking out on social issues, fearing repercussions on their visas. Despite differing opinions on Harvard’s handling of the situation, some students allege that the university has already acquiesced to the administration’s demands. Recent changes, including personnel shifts and the suspension of certain initiatives, suggest a compliance to governmental pressures.
Overall, the ongoing conflict reflects broader issues surrounding academic freedom, immigration policy, and the political landscape affecting universities.
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