A federal judge in Boston has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s decision to revoke Harvard University’s permission to enroll international students. This move comes after Harvard sued the government, claiming the policy violates the US Constitution.
The judge’s order gives Harvard a temporary reprieve, allowing the university to continue enrolling international students for the next two weeks. A hearing is set for May 29 to determine the fate of the policy.
Harvard has about 6,800 international students, making up 27% of its student body. The university argues that the policy would cause “irreparable harm” to these students and the university as a whole. International students pay full tuition, which helps fund scholarships for other students.
The Trump administration has been at odds with Harvard, accusing the university of being too liberal. The government has also threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status and increase taxes on its endowment. Harvard has denied any wrongdoing, saying it is being targeted for its political views.
The university claims the policy is motivated by politics and is a form of punishment for its perceived liberal leanings. Harvard argues that this is a violation of its First Amendment rights. The White House may appeal the judge’s decision, with a spokesperson saying that unelected judges shouldn’t be able to block the government from enforcing its immigration and national security policies.
This is not the first time Harvard has clashed with the Trump administration. The university has previously sued the government over funding and has been accused of supporting communist ideologies. Harvard has denied these claims, saying it is committed to academic freedom and has a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination.
The case has sparked a heated debate about immigration, national security, and academic freedom. The outcome will have significant implications for Harvard and other universities that rely on international students.
Source: channelnewsasia
