A temporary restraining order hindering the Trump administration’s plan to strip Harvard University of its ability to enrol foreign students, has been issued by a Judge.
The ruling is coming after Harvard filed a lawsuit – the latest escalation of a dispute between the White House and one of United States’ most distinguished institutions.
The administration led by President Trump says Harvard has not done enough to tackle antisemitism and change its hiring and admissions practices – allegations that the university has firmly denied.
On Friday, Allison Burroughs, US District Judge, issued a temporary restraining order in a short ruling; the order suspends a move made by Department of Homeland Security on Thursday to disclaim Harvard’s access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program – a government database that in charge of foreign students.
There are more than 6,000 international students at Harvard, which is more than 27% of the institution’s enrollment this year.
In a letter, Harvard President Alan Garber, said: “With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body, international students who contribute significantly to the University and its mission. We condemn this unlawful and unwarranted action.”
The White House, through Abigail Jackson, Deputy Press Secretary, responded: “If only Harvard cared this much about ending the scourge of anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators on their campus they wouldn’t be in this situation to begin with. Harvard should spend their time and resources on creating a safe campus environment instead of filing frivolous lawsuits.”
