Harvard University has launched a legal battle against the Trump administration, filing a lawsuit in Boston federal court on Friday to contest the revocation of its ability to enroll international students. The Ivy League institution argues that the decision, announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, violates federal law and threatens severe disruption to its academic community.
The lawsuit describes the revocation as an abrupt and unlawful move that jeopardizes the university’s mission by effectively barring more than 7,000 international students, who make up roughly a quarter of Harvard’s student body. “This action undermines the core of our academic enterprise,” the university stated, emphasizing the critical contributions of international students to its 389-year legacy of scholarship and innovation.
The administration’s decision, set to take effect for the 2025-2026 academic year, stems from allegations that Harvard has failed to address antisemitism and fostered an environment of unrest. Noem justified the revocation by pointing to what she described as the university’s ties to foreign entities and its handling of campus protests. In response, Harvard’s president, Alan Garber, issued a statement defending the institution’s commitment to academic freedom. “We will not yield to attempts to control our curriculum or silence our community,” Garber declared, framing the revocation as an attack on the university’s autonomy.
The legal filing seeks an injunction to halt the revocation, citing immediate harm to students, faculty, and academic programs. With graduation approaching, Harvard warns that the ban could force the withdrawal of admissions offers and disrupt research initiatives, clinical programs, and coursework. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson rebuffed Harvard’s claims, arguing that the university’s focus should be on addressing campus tensions rather than pursuing legal action. “Harvard’s priorities are misplaced,” Jackson said, pointing to ongoing concerns about campus safety and ideological disputes.
The dispute intensified after Noem demanded extensive records from Harvard about its international students, including details of their involvement in protests over the past five years. The university argues that complying with such demands would infringe on student privacy and academic freedom.
Harvard’s international students, numbering nearly 6,800 this year, are a vital part of its diverse academic ecosystem. The university contends that their exclusion would not only harm its global reputation but also diminish the collaborative spirit that drives its research and teaching.
