America’s famous university Harvard is in the headlines these days – but this time the reason is not education, but politics. Former US President Donald Trump has taken such a step regarding foreign students that has shaken the entire higher education system of the country.
Trump’s New Order: What’s the Matter?
Recently, Trump has instructed to stop Harvard University’s ability to admit foreign students. He argues that institutions like Harvard promote ‘anti-national ideas’, and hence they should be punished. This decision has put the future of thousands of international students in limbo.
Foreign Students: Benefit or Threat?
Foreign students studying in American universities not only study, but also strengthen the economy by paying billions of dollars in fees.
For example:
About 27% of Harvard’s total students are foreigners
This figure reaches 39% at Columbia University. The fees of these students also help universities to provide scholarships to local students.
Economic Shock to U.S. Universities
If the number of foreign students decreases, then US universities will suffer a major economic setback. This will not only reduce the earnings of universities, but will also affect research and scholarship funding. This move can also weaken America’s identity as an “education superpower.
Is This Political Revenge?
Some analysts believe that this is not just a decision related to education, but is part of Trump’s political strategy. Pro-Palestine movements are going on in many institutions including Harvard, which the Trump administration considers “anti-national”. For this reason, it had sought information about foreign students from universities, which Harvard rejected.
Legal Battle Begins
Harvard has approached the court over Trump’s decision. They claim that this is an attack on the autonomy of the university and freedom of education. Many other academics and institutions of America have also supported Harvard.
Conclusion: Is Education Becoming a Political Tool?
The Trump vs Harvard controversy has raised a big question – is education in America now becoming a pawn of politics? If students coming from abroad are stopped, not only will the dreams of the students be shattered, but America’s global image will also be tarnished.
To understand Harvard’s official stance and their commitment to supporting international students, you can read this statement from Harvard President’s Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What action has Trump taken against Harvard University?
Ans: Donald Trump has directed Harvard University to stop the admission of foreign students, saying that these institutions promote anti-national ideas.
Q2. Will this decision affect the future of foreign students?
Ans: Yes, this decision has put the future of thousands of international students in limbo as they may find it difficult to get higher education in the US.
Q3. What benefit do American universities get from foreign students?
Ans: Foreign students pay billions of dollars in fees to American universities which leads to research, scholarship and infrastructure funding.
Q4. Is this decision of Trump a part of political revenge?
Ans: Many experts believe that this decision is not just about education, but is part of Trump’s political strategy, which is against pro-Palestine movements.
Q5. What action has Harvard taken against this decision?
Ans: Harvard has challenged Trump’s decision in court and called it an attack on the university’s independence.