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Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the administration of President Donald Trump on Friday, 23 May 2025, less than a day after the US Department of Homeland Security announced that it would block international students from studying at the country’s oldest and most prestigious university. The move marks the culmination of a long-running standoff between the Trump administration and Harvard, and the university’s swift response underscores the critical importance of international students to its operations.
Escalation of the conflict
The Department of Homeland Security’s announcement on Thursday included the revocation of Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme, which makes it impossible for international students to enrol. This decision threatens not only current students, but also future applicants from around the world who are eager to study at Harvard, known for its ability to attract the best scholars.
In a letter to the Harvard community, the university’s president, Dr Alan M. Garber, sharply criticised the administration’s actions, calling them “illegal and unjustified”. “This move jeopardises the future of thousands of Harvard students and scholars and serves as a warning to other colleges and universities across the country that welcome international students to pursue their educational dreams,” Garber wrote.
Claim and demand for urgent measures
In a lawsuit filed in federal court, Harvard accused the Trump administration of a “retaliation campaign” against the university. This is the second lawsuit filed by the university against the federal government in recent weeks, indicating an escalation of the conflict. In addition to the lawsuit, Harvard has also filed a motion for a temporary restraining order, asking a judge to immediately block the administration’s decision.
The Trump administration has repeatedly attacked Harvard, including through numerous investigations and attempts to freeze federal funding for the university. The latest decision on international students is seen as another blow to Harvard’s academic freedom and global reputation.
Why is this important?
International students make up a significant part of Harvard’s academic community, bringing a diversity of perspectives, innovative ideas, and significant economic contributions. A ban on their education could have catastrophic consequences for the university, including financial losses and loss of competitiveness on the global stage. In addition, this decision could affect other American universities that also depend on foreign talent.
For Ukraine, which also has students studying at Harvard, this decision could make it more difficult to access quality education in the United States. At a time when international education is key to global cooperation, such restrictions threaten not only individual students but also the wider academic and scientific community.
What’s next?
The trial of Harvard’s lawsuit could set a precedent for other educational institutions that have come under pressure from the administration. The university has expressed its firm intention to fight for the rights of its students and scholars, stressing that education should not be held hostage to political games.
“Harvard will not stand idly by while our students are discriminated against and our mission is under attack,” Garber said in his statement. The court’s decision on the temporary injunction may be made in the coming days, which will determine further developments.
Source: The New York Times
