In a letter addressed to the university, the Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, requested the records concerning what she described as the “illegal and violent activities” of Harvard’s foreign students, with a deadline set for April 30.
“And if Harvard cannot verify it is un full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students,” Noem stated.A Harvard spokesperson acknowledged the receipt of the letter and confirmed awareness of the grant cancellations and the administration’s focus on the foreign visa compliance.
However, the university reiterated its position, asserting that it would “not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights” while continuing to adhere to legal requirements, as per Reuters.
Funding cuts linked to campus protests
The development follows US President Donald Trump’s broader crackdown on universities amidst rising pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campuses. The protests across the country have emerged in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
President Trump has portrayed the campus protests as a threat to national security, accusing participants of antisemitism and sympathy towards Palestine’s military group Hamas. On the other hand, the protestors, even including the groups of Jewish students, reject this claim, asserting that their condemn human rights violations in Gaza.
The administration has already revoked hundreds of student visas and initiated efforts to deport some foreign nationals involved in the protests.
“With a $53.2 billion endowment, Harvard can fund its own chaos – DHS won’t,” Noem added, accusing the university of promoting “anti-America, pro-Hamas ideology.”
(This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates)
