Harvard University sued the Trump administration today over its ban on foreign student enrollment, calling it unconstitutional retaliation for defying the White House's policy demands.
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In a lawsuit filed in federal court in Boston, Harvard said the government's decision violates the First Amendment and will have "immediate and devastating consequences for Harvard and more than 7.000 international students from as many as 100 countries."
"With one stroke of the pen, the government would erase a quarter of Harvard's student body, international students who make significant contributions to the University and its mission," Harvard said in the lawsuit.
The university said it plans to file a motion for a temporary injunction to prevent the Department of Homeland Security from carrying out the move.
The department announced the decision on Thursday, accusing Harvard of creating an unsafe environment on campus by allowing "anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators" to attack Jewish students on campus.
It also accused Harvard of coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party, claiming that the school hosted and trained members of a Chinese paramilitary group as early as 2024.
Harvard President Alan Garber said earlier this month that the university has made changes in the past year and a half, including a strategy to combat anti-Semitism. He said Harvard will not abandon its "fundamental, legally protected principles" just because of fear of retaliation.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who has demanded that Harvard provide information about foreign students that could link them to violence or protests that could lead to their deportation, said Harvard could regain its right to enroll foreign students if it provides the records to them within 72 hours.
Her new request seeks all records, including audio or video recordings, of foreign students participating in protests or dangerous activities on campus.
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