Read, Digital Desk : The revocation of Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) certification by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is outsized in consequences; it prevents enrollment in foreign programs and requires existing international students to transfer or risk losing their legal residency in the U.S.

Harvard has been unwilling to answer my or the Senate’s information requests. Noem stated that the institute has implemented policies and undertaken actions that are inimical to the interests of national security.

The Government’s Justification

The President accused Harvard of permitting antisemitic behavior and connections with the Chinese Communist Party. For this oversight, Harvard, in particular, is being punished for anti-Semitism in a form of hate speech for collaborating with the CCP which is deemed active on US soil.

Noem offers no justification other than, ‘It is a privilege — not a right — for…’. He defers to the more inflexible dictates of accountability suggesting that this is an enforcement mechanism, ‘This action will put us in charge, and make no mistake, when there is accountability, there are also punishments.’

Harvard Responds to Federal Action

In stark contrast, Harvard openly declares, They oppose what they deem illegal and unconstitutional harm. In the saddest sense of the word, America is concerned with supporting policies that is categorically prone to global diversity at the level of higher education.”

“This step is sort of revenge and jeopardizes Harvard’s aim,” the report suggests. “Our overseas students add immense value to this university and America.”

Context and Escalation

The event stems from the latest scuffle between the Trump government and Harvard over the university not providing details of some students with visas and other restrictive documents. This escalates the feud between the federal government and one of America’s oldest and elite universities.

The situation has not been addressed by The White House.

Read More: Trump Administration Revokes Harvard’s Authority to Enroll International Students