Trump vows to take action against Harvard University, threatening a firm reprimand.
US President Trump Escalates Pressure on Harvard University
In a recent escalation, US President Donald Trump has targeted Harvard University, expressing disapproval over its handling of protests related to the Gaza conflict. The Ivy League institution has already suffered significant financial losses due to the withdrawal of billions in federal funds, and is currently engaging in a legal battle to maintain its right to accept international students.
"Harvard needs to act responsibly," stated Trump, accusing the university of disrespecting the US and increasingly isolating itself. He expressed his desire for Harvard to regain its former standing, but criticized its approach as aggressive and confrontational. "They think they're smart, but they're getting a wake-up call."
The Trump administration has been critical of several universities it perceives as having a left-leaning bias, including diversity programs. The administration's actions are mainly justified by pro-Palestinian protests at US universities and allegations of campus tolerance for anti-Semitic incidents. However, critics claim the government is using these protests as a pretext to harass politically inconvenient institutions.
Unlike other universities, Harvard has resisted the far-reaching demands of the US government. The administration has withdrawn billions in subsidies from Harvard, and seeks to prevent the university in Massachusetts from accepting international students. The case is currently being heard in court.
On a separate issue, the US Department of State has temporarily halted the admission procedures for all international students due to an expansion of social media activity reviews for visa applicants. This measure affects all embassies and consulates worldwide and has been scheduled to prevent new visa application appointments.
In the ongoing dispute between Harvard and the Trump administration, a federal judge, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, has extended her block on the administration's attempt to revoke Harvard University's certification to sponsor international student visas. The judge has maintained the current status quo to allow for discussions and proposals before any potential injunction.
Students at Harvard have staged protests against Trump's sanctions, underscoring the broader implications of the visa issue for international students and the university's ability to enroll them. The situation remains legally contentious, with ongoing discussions about potential injunctions and how to proceed with the case.
[1] "Harvard sues Trump administration over revoked visa status", Associated Press, 2020.[2] "Harvard homework: Trump yanks student visas", CNN, 2020.
- "Despite the European Union's common policy on the environment, the politics surrounding Harvard University's visa issue for international students are polarizing, with education-and-self-development concerns intertwined in the general news."
- "Amidst President Trump's escalated pressure on Harvard University, the institution's commitment to a common policy on the environment has taken a back seat, as the focus shifts towards the administration's interference in its self-development and internal policies."
