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Welcome to The Logoff: The Trump administration opened a brand new entrance in its struggle in opposition to Harvard this week, trying to dam all worldwide college students from attending the college — and swiftly getting slapped down by a federal choose.
What did the Trump administration do? On Thursday, the Division of Homeland Safety revoked Harvard’s skill to enroll worldwide college students, alleging that the college is “perpetuating an unsafe campus surroundings” and “employs racist ‘variety, fairness, and inclusion’ insurance policies.” The transfer put Harvard’s almost 7,000 worldwide college students vulnerable to shedding their visas.
What’s the most recent? Harvard swiftly sued the administration, and a federal choose this morning issued a short lived restraining order, which suggests the college might be allowed to proceed admitting international college students, who make up greater than 1 / 4 of its pupil physique.
What else has the administration achieved to assault Harvard? Trump has tried to grab management of Harvard’s curriculum and admissions coverage, and slashed almost $4 billion in federal grants; the New York Occasions has tracked a minimum of eight separate investigations by six federal businesses focusing on the college, and Trump has floated revoking the college’s tax-exempt standing.
Why is the Trump administration going after Harvard? The Trump administration has accused Harvard and different elite universities of perpetuating antisemitism on campus, however its assaults have shortly grown in scope. As my colleague Andrew Prokop has reported, Trump’s specific deal with universities is a part of a broader ideological marketing campaign to interrupt what the precise perceives as liberal establishments. However Harvard has pushed again — along with Friday’s lawsuit, it sued the administration final month over funding cuts.
What’s subsequent? Harvard’s worldwide college students are protected for now, and its lawsuits in opposition to the Trump administration will work their approach by the courtroom system. However Trump’s newest salvo is a reminder that the administration’s efforts to go after its perceived enemies present little signal of abating.
And with that, it’s time to sign off…
College of Maryland graduates attended their “Kermencement” ceremony on Thursday — like a traditional commencement, however with Kermit the Frog because the graduation speaker (his creator, Jim Henson, was a UMD graduate). Kermit urged college students to remain linked to their mates and family members, and to their desires, “regardless of how massive” — good recommendation for us all. Thanks for studying, have a terrific lengthy weekend, and we’ll see you again right here on Tuesday!
