University attendees demonstrate against proposed U.S. administration strategies at Harvard. - University attendees demonstrate at Harvard University, voicing opposition to proposed federal government policies
Harvard Students Protest Against Government Measures Affecting International Students
Protester Alice Goyer expressed her concerns to AFP, stating that she stands in solidarity with her international peers, professors, and researchers who are threatened with deportation or forced to transfer to another university.
On Tuesday, a high-ranking U.S. official announced that the government would instruct all federal agencies to terminate existing contracts with Harvard, potentially leading to the loss of $100 million in federal funds, approximately €88 million.
The government's decision follows previous actions taken by the Trump administration to withhold funds from the university. Trump had earlier announced his intention to withhold a total of $3 billion (around €2.6 billion) from Harvard, and redistribute it to trade schools across the country. Before this, his administration had already cut Harvard's multi-year federal grants totaling $2.2 billion (€1.9 billion).
The university, which is known for its considerable wealth, with an estimated net worth of around $53 billion, primarily derived from donations, has been criticized by Trump as an "antisemitic, leftist institution." The label was given due to pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus and the university's refusal to comply with government demands such as the elimination of diversity programs and the vetting of its students.
The U.S. government banned Harvard from accepting new international students in May, which currently make up about 27% of the university's population. A federal judge granted Harvard's lawsuit and temporarily lifted the ban. However, it remains uncertain whether the Trump administration will adhere to this ruling. A hearing on the case is scheduled for Thursday. As of now, there are 549 German students enrolled at Harvard.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated in an interview with "Fox News" on Tuesday that federal funds would be better utilized in vocational schools instead of Harvard, the elite university. Leavitt emphasized that the president aims to ensure that taxpayer money funds institutions promoting "American values" and educating the next generation based on skills needed in the economy and society.
The protests at Harvard reflect a wider debate over academic freedom, government interference, and international student policies. Recent protests have taken place during Commencement Week and at the Science Center Plaza, where students gathered to condemn the Trump administration's actions. Additional concerns have been raised about free speech, especially following the dismissal of faculty leaders from the Center for Middle Eastern Studies.
- The protesters at Harvard, including Alice Goyer, are rallying against the US government's plans to cancel federal funding to the university, which could potentially impact the education-and-self-development of students, including international students.
- The US government's recent decision to withhold funds from Harvard, a renowned institution known for its significant resources in education-and-self-development, raises concerns about politics interfering with academic freedom and learning.
- The ongoing protests at Harvard, amidst news of cuts in federal funding, are not just local incidents, but also reflect a broader debate on war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news, as they question the government's interference in education institutions and policies affecting international students.
