"Panicked Response": Kazakh Students Reaction to Trump's Threats
Harvard University Challenges U.S. Government over International Student Ban
In a shocking turn of events, Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government after its right to accept international students was revoked by the Trump administration. The sudden edict, issued with a 72-hour compliance deadline, has sent panic rippling through the university's substantial Kazakh student population.
Harvard's international student body, particularly its contingent from Kazakhstan, is substantial. Dana Masalimova, a graduate of the Kennedy School of Government, attested to this. Masalimova, who also works at Harvard's Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, stated that Kazakh students are not only a part of graduate programs but can also be found at the undergraduate level, across various schools like health and education.
The revolt ensued when Harvard's authorization to host international students, primarily those with F-1 and J-1 visas, was stripped away by the Trump administration. Citing allegations of campus antisemitism and racial discrimination, the administration's decision has been met with strong resistance from Harvard.
In its official complaint, Harvard argues that the authorities' actions are a violation of the law and are a form of "retaliation" for the university's refusal to submit to political control. Just hours after the lawsuit was filed, a federal judge granted Harvard a temporary restraining order, allowing the university to temporarily maintain its international student population while legal proceedings continue.
A Harvard employee explained the potential challenges faced by students if the status quo is not restored. Some students may have contingency plans, but not all can implement them swiftly. Prolonged legal battles could leave students in a state of uncertainty and worry, potentially leading many to transfer to other universities or take an academic leave.
Masalimova, a graduate of the Kennedy School, is well-acquainted with the Kazakh students currently at Harvard. She highlighted the potential hardships these students might face, including the relocation to other universities or a temporary disruption in their academic pursuits.
As the lawsuit unfolds, Harvard seeks to restore its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification to ensure its international students can continue their studies without facing legal obstacles. The lawsuit challenges the legality of the revocation on grounds of infringement on academic freedom and procedural due process, along with accusations of arbitrary and unconstitutional action.
- Dana Masalimova, a graduate of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, said that Kazakh students are not only in graduate programs but can also be found at the undergraduate level, across various schools like health and education.
- In its official complaint, Harvard argues that the authorities' actions to revoke its authorization to host international students, primarily those with F-1 and J-1 visas, are a violation of the law and a form of "retaliation" for the university's refusal to submit to political control.
- Masalimova, a graduate of the Kennedy School, is well-acquainted with the Kazakh students currently at Harvard. She said that some potential hardships these students might face include relocation to other universities or a temporary disruption in their academic pursuits.
