Harvard University filed a lawsuit in a Massachusetts court on Friday. Soon after, a federal judge took quick action to help the university.
The judge temporarily stopped the Trump administration from removing Harvard’s permission to accept international students.
The court issued an order to pause the government’s decision. This decision would have taken away Harvard’s right to let foreign students study there on student visas.
Judge Allison said in her short ruling that Harvard showed strong enough reasons to prove it would be badly and quickly harmed if the court didn’t step in right away.
What does the DHS letter say?
The letter from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), dated May 22, says that Harvard University is no longer allowed to accept international students through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). DHS made this decision because they believe:
1.Harvard has created an environment that is not safe for Jewish students.
2.The university has shown support for Hamas or groups with similar views.
3.Harvard has racial diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies that DHS sees as unfair or problematic.
In simple terms, DHS is accusing Harvard of being unsafe for Jewish students and of having biased or controversial policies, so it is taking away Harvard’s permission to enroll international students under that program
3.Harvard has racial diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies that DHS sees as unfair or problematic.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also said that Harvard has connections with the Chinese government. DHS gave Harvard 72 hours to follow six rules. These include sharing records of any non-immigrant (international) students involved in illegal or threatening actions, and giving video footage of protests that happened at Harvard in the past five years.
