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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has warned that Harvard University risks losing its ability to enroll international students unless it complies with demands related to the sharing of information about certain visa holders. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the prestigious institution.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the termination of two grants to Harvard, which collectively amount to over $2.7 million. In a letter to the university, she has requested documentation on what she described as “illegal and violent activities” involving foreign student visa holders by April 30. “If Harvard cannot demonstrate full compliance with its reporting obligations, it will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students,” Noem stated.
A representative from Harvard acknowledged receipt of Noem’s communication regarding the grants and the scrutiny of foreign student visas. The spokesperson emphasized that while the university intends to comply with legal requirements, it will not sacrifice its independence or constitutional rights in the face of government pressure.
Disagreement Over Campus Activism
The Trump administration’s actions are part of a broader strategy that has seen federal funding threats directed at universities due to pro-Palestinian protests on campuses following the violent outbreak between Hamas and Israel in October 2023. President Trump has characterized these protests as indicative of a foreign policy threat, labeling them as antisemitic and tying them to support for Hamas. In contrast, many protestors, including Jewish organizations, argue that their advocacy for Palestinian rights should not be conflated with extremism or antisemitism.
WATCH | Debunking some campus protest claims (2024):
Fact-checking claims about who’s behind pro-Palestinian student protests
Claims have emerged suggesting that external groups are financing the pro-Palestinian protests occurring at institutions across North America, a topic scrutinized in a fact-check by CBC’s Ben Makuch. Additionally, the administration is reportedly working to deport some foreign nationals involved in the protests and has revoked numerous visas nationwide.
Harvard has maintained its commitment to combatting antisemitism and other forms of discrimination while upholding academic freedom and the right to protest. In reaction to the administration’s threats, the university has stood firm against demands it believes would undermine its autonomy, leading the Trump administration to freeze $2.3 billion in federal funding.
Moreover, Trump has suggested actions that could lead to revocation of Harvard’s tax-exempt status, with reports indicating that the Internal Revenue Service is contemplating such a decision, which could have significant implications for the university’s financial aid programs and vital medical research efforts.
Impact on Academic Research
The complexity of federal funding for research has been long established, particularly since World War II, when the government identified key research domains such as public health and defense. Typically, only a small percentage of proposed projects receive federal grants, and universities have historically served as facilitators for these initiatives.
Dr. Donald Ingber, a prominent scientist at Harvard, reported that two of his research contracts valued at over $20 million have been suspended due to the funding freeze. One of these projects aimed to develop therapies countering radiation damage, which could significantly benefit cancer patients undergoing treatment, as well as provide protective measures for civilians during nuclear emergencies.
Ingber noted a troubling trend of post-doctoral candidates turning down opportunities in the U.S. due to fears for their safety as foreign nationals, with some opting instead for research positions in Europe or China. “We were once the destination for the brightest young scientists around the world, but that is changing,” he remarked.
WATCH | Columbia student fights deportation order:
U.S. judge rules Columbia student, activist Mahmoud Khalil can be deported
In a recent case, a U.S. judge ruled that Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist, can be deported as a potential national security risk. His case exemplifies the administration’s broader crackdown on campus protests.
A spokesperson for the White House stated that the funding freeze affecting Harvard and other institutions is primarily driven by a commitment to addressing antisemitism. “Violent and antisemitic protests that disrupt educational environments undermine the intellectual pursuits that federal funding aims to support,” he said.
This situation has raised serious concerns among human rights advocates, who are alarmed by the implications for free speech and academic freedom as the government continues to exert pressure on various universities, including Columbia, Princeton, Brown, Cornell, and Northwestern.
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www.cbc.ca