Trump Administration Gives Harvard 30 Days to Contest Justice Department's Ban on International Students

The United States Department of Justice has issued a notice to Harvard University, giving the institution 30 days to contest a ban on enrolling international students. The ban was imposed due to alleged "insufficient response" from the university to government requests to limit student and faculty power and report foreign students who violate campus conduct. In response, U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs has temporarily halted any changes to Harvard's student visa program, allowing the university to continue hosting international students on visas.

Key Takeaways:

• The Trump administration has given Harvard University 30 days to contest the Justice Department's ban on enrolling international students, citing "insufficient response" to government requests.
• The ban is part of a larger effort to limit student and faculty power and require institutions to report foreign students who violate campus conduct.
• Harvard President Alan Garber has refused to comply with the government's requirements, stating that institutions should stand firm in their commitment to the good of the nation.
• U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs has temporarily halted any changes to Harvard's student visa program, allowing the university to continue hosting international students on visas.
• The court's decision is intended to prevent the ban from taking effect until a further decision can be made, allowing for additional administrative proceedings between Harvard and the Justice Department.
• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the ban on May 22, with a letter addressed to Harvard explaining the decision and warning other universities and academic institutions to comply with similar requests.

Statistics:

• 30 days: the timeframe given to Harvard University to contest the Justice Department's ban on enrolling international students.
• 5 pages: the length of the notice issued by the Justice Department to Harvard University explaining the reasons for the ban and the university's opportunity to respond.
• 100%: the proposed level to which the Justice Department demands that institutions report foreign students who violate campus conduct.
• 0%: the level to which the Justice Department claims foreign students are currently reporting to authorities.

Sources:

• A "Notice of Intent to Withdraw" filed by the Student and Exchange Visitor's Program with the U.S. government on Thursday.
• A letter addressed to Harvard University by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem explaining the decision to ban international students.
• A statement made by U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs in response to the Justice Department's ban on Harvard's student visa program.