Harvard President Addresses Class of 2025 Amid Political Tensions
Harvard University’s President, Alan M. Garber, delivered a powerful yet subtle message during the Class of 2025 graduation ceremony at the historic Tercentenary Theatre in Harvard Yard. His remarks came at a critical time of escalating conflict between Harvard and the federal government over policies impacting international students.
Garber spoke emphatically about the global diversity of the graduating class, stating, "To the Class of 2025, from down the street, across the country, and around the world. Around the world, just as it should be." This pointed statement was widely interpreted as a response to recent federal actions seeking to restrict international student admissions.
Context: Federal Actions Against Harvard's International Enrollment
In recent months, the federal government revoked Harvard's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a move that abruptly paused the university's ability to enroll new international students. This decision affected approximately 6,800 international attendees, sparking intense criticism and legal challenges from the university.
Moreover, Harvard faced a freeze on federal grants totaling $2.2 billion, the administration justified by Harvard’s refusal to eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and alleged failure to screen students for ideological biases. In response, Harvard filed a federal lawsuit alleging violations of free speech rights and due process protections. While a judge temporarily blocked the grant freeze, the administration extended Harvard's timeline to contest the sanctions.
Statements from The Trump Administration
Defending these measures, former President Donald Trump said, "Harvard has got to behave themselves," and hinted at imposing further restrictions on non-US students. The administration made additional allegations accusing Harvard of tolerating antisemitism, facilitating campus unrest, and maintaining ties to the Chinese Communist Party—charges that the university has consistently denied.
Visa Restrictions and Increased Scrutiny
The State Department, under guidance from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has intensified visa vetting for all individuals aiming to study or visit Harvard. Visa officers are instructed to examine social media activity rigorously, with the authority to deny visas based on restricted or private online content.
Secretary Rubio stated, "If you are coming here to create problems, you're probably going to have a problem." He further revealed that hundreds, potentially thousands, of visas were revoked due to concerns over activities conflicting with U.S. foreign policy objectives.
Harvard’s Leadership and Background
Alan M. Garber, who assumed the role of Interim President in 2024 following Claudine Gay’s departure after controversy linked to pro-Palestine protests, is a distinguished alumnus holding advanced degrees from Stanford University. His enduring commitment to academic freedom and global inclusion was evident in his remarks at the graduation ceremony.
Conclusion
Garber’s brief yet meaningful address at the graduation event resonated strongly with attendees, earning him a standing ovation. It underscored Harvard’s dedication to maintaining a diverse and international student body despite mounting political and regulatory pressures.
