Washington, May 23, (dpa/GNA) – The Trump administration on Thursday revoked Harvard University’s ability to enrol foreign students amid an escalating feud with the elite school.
US President Donald Trump has accused Harvard and other elite US universities of pursuing a left-wing ideology and allowing anti-Semitism on campus. His administration sent a list of demands on April 11 to the school, which Harvard has refused to adopt.
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the administration was “holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus.”
“It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments,” she wrote on X.
“Harvard had plenty of opportunity to do the right thing. It refused.”
The university had lost its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification and existing international students would have to transfer to other universities or risk losing their legal status, according to Noem’s statement.
“Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.”
In a statement, Harvard said the government’s actions were unlawful.
“We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University – and this nation – immeasurably,” the statement said.
“This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”
Earlier this year, the Trump administration froze more than $2 billion in federal grants and contracts at Harvard.
GNA
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