By Steve Neavling
The Department of Homeland Security is threatening to strip Harvard University of its ability to enroll foreign students and has canceled more than $2.7 million in federal grants amid an escalating dispute with the Trump administration.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem gave Harvard until April 30 to provide detailed records of alleged “illegal and violent” activities involving foreign student visa holders, CBS News reports. Failure to comply would cost the university its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, DHS warned.
In a letter last week, the administration demanded Harvard end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and discipline students involved in a recent pro-Palestinian tent encampment at Harvard Yard.
“The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights,” Harvard President Alan Garber said Monday.
Noem accused Harvard of “bending the knee to antisemitism,” saying, “America demands more from universities entrusted with taxpayer dollars.”
Canceled grants include nearly $2 million for a violence prevention evaluation and about $800,000 aimed at preventing targeted violence. President Trump has also suggested revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status, treating it instead as a political entity.
