Sun May 25 10:38:06 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite based on the provided text, written from an Indian perspective and styled for “The View From India” section:
**Summary:**
The Trump administration is escalating its conflict with Harvard University by attempting to block the enrollment of foreign students. This action follows threats related to alleged antisemitism, diversity programs, and student protests concerning the Gaza war. The administration is demanding Harvard disclose information about its foreign students and their funding sources, claiming that these students benefit from U.S. resources without contributing. The move follows an earlier threat by the Homeland Security Secretary to block foreign students if Harvard didn’t hand over records and the university swiftly sued to halt the action. Harvard is fighting back, citing the illegality of the government’s actions, while the potential loss of foreign students, who represent a significant portion of the student body and contribute considerable revenue, poses a major threat to the university’s financial stability.
**News Article:**
**The View From India: Trump Administration Intensifies Crackdown on Harvard, Threatening Foreign Student Enrollment**
*Washington, May 25, 2025 (The Hindu)* – The ongoing battle between the Trump administration and Harvard University has taken a sharp turn, with the White House now targeting the institution’s enrollment of international students. The administration’s move to block foreign students, initially suspended by a judge following a Harvard lawsuit, is being defended by President Trump on his Truth Social platform.
Trump questioned why Harvard isn’t disclosing the fact that “almost 31% of their students are from FOREIGN LANDS,” and that these students’ countries, some “not at all friendly to the United States,” are not contributing to their education. He stated a need to know who these students are since the U.S. “gives Harvard BILLIONS OF DOLLARS.”
This action follows Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s earlier revocation of Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign nationals, a move that threatened the future of thousands of students and the university’s substantial revenue stream. These moves are justified by the administration as a response to perceived uncontrolled anti-Semitism, the need to reverse diversity programs, and the alleged involvement of foreign students in anti-war protests related to the Gaza conflict. The administration is also accusing these students of supporting Hamas and has started moving to deport students involved in protests.
Adding further pressure, the White House has threatened to put $9 billion of Harvard’s funding under review, and froze a $2.2 billion tranche of grants, along with $60 million in official contracts.
From an Indian perspective, this crackdown raises concerns about the future of international education and academic freedom. Many Indian students aspire to study at prestigious institutions like Harvard, and restrictive policies could limit their opportunities. Moreover, the administration’s rationale for targeting Harvard raises questions about the fairness and inclusivity of U.S. higher education. The potential loss of international students would not only harm Harvard’s finances but also diminish the diversity and global perspectives that enrich the university’s academic environment. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to observe the impact on Indian students and the broader implications for international academic exchange.
First Piper 