The Trump administration on Thursday added another layer of hurt to Harvard University in its crackdown on charges of ethnic discrimination and antisemitic harassment on campus.
The latest action by the government is to pull the certification for Harvard's student and exchange visitor program. The New York Times reported Harvard was notified of the decision in a letter from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
The Times reported in mid-April that the administration threatened the international student program if Harvard failed to meet demands to eliminate a hostile learning environment imposed on Jewish students. The administration also required a long list of documents relating to international students and related university and public records.
Harvard has fought against complying with the records demand. A university spokesperson indicated Harvard would not "surrender its independence."
USA Today reported that the university released a statement Thursday and challenged the decision.
"The government's action is unlawful," spokesperson Jason Newton said. "This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country and undermines Harvard's academic and research mission."
The pressure from the Trump administration has been seemingly relentless. On Tuesday, the administration announced it would block $60 million in grants to Harvard. That brings the total of eliminated or withheld government funding from a variety of programs to Harvard in recent weeks to about $3 billion.
Three congressional committees have threatened to block Harvard's status as a nonprofit because of its connections with China.
And about two weeks ago, Harvard graduate and billionaire Bill Ackman called for the Harvard board to resign.
Jim Mishler ✉
Jim Mishler, a seasoned reporter, anchor and news director, has decades of experience covering crime, politics and environmental issues.