Fri May 23 16:35:37 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the text, focusing on key events and viewpoints:

**Judge Halts Trump Administration’s Attempt to Block Harvard’s Foreign Student Enrollment**

**Boston, MA** – A U.S. District Judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration’s move to prevent Harvard University from enrolling international students. The ruling comes after Harvard filed an emergency petition, calling the administration’s actions a “blatant violation” of its rights.

The Trump administration, through Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, had revoked Harvard’s access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), essential for enrolling foreign students. Noem cited concerns about violence, anti-Semitism, and alleged coordination with the Chinese Communist Party on campus as the reason for the decision. This move would have forced current international students to transfer and prevented new enrollment.

Harvard’s lawsuit argues that the de-certification would have a “devastating effect” on the university and its over 7,000 international students, who comprise 27% of its student body. University President Alan Garber described the move as retaliation for Harvard’s refusal to cede its “academic independence” and a federal overreach into curriculum and student body matters.

The legal battle stems from escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard, particularly following pro-Palestine protests on campus. Trump has accused universities of fostering anti-Semitism and promoting ideological bias, leading to funding freezes and demands for reform. Harvard has rejected these demands, leading to the current confrontation.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the administration’s actions, accusing Harvard of failing to address concerns about “anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators” on campus. She urged Harvard to focus on creating a safe environment rather than pursuing lawsuits.

Judge Allison Burroughs granted the temporary restraining order, citing potential harm to Harvard and its students if the de-certification took effect. Hearings are scheduled for May 27 and 29 to further consider the case. This legal challenge represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and higher education institutions.

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