Harvard University Commencement Amidst Trump Administration Pressure

Introduction to the Controversy

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — Harvard University is holding its commencement at a pivotal moment, when its place as one of the world’s leading higher education institutions is under what increasingly seems like existential threats from the Trump administration.
Other schools face the loss of federal funding and their ability to enroll international students if they don’t agree to the Trump administration’s shifting demands. But Harvard, which was founded in 1636, a century and a half before the nation itself, is taking the lead on defying the White House in federal court — and paying a significant price.

The Trump Administration’s Demands

The Trump administration’s latest salvos include asking federal agencies to cancel about $100 million in contracts with the Ivy League school. The government already canceled more than $2.6 billion in federal research grants, moved to cut off Harvard’s enrollment of international students and threatened its tax-exempt status.
Visa interviews for international students admitted to schools nationwide were halted on Tuesday, and Trump said Wednesday that Harvard should reduce its international enrollment from 25% to about 15%.

Support from Notable Figures

Dr. Abraham Verghese, the bestselling author and Stanford expert on infectious diseases, will be the principal speaker at the university’s 374th commencement. On Wednesday, NBA Hall of Famer and activist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the “Class Day” speaker, and journalist Christiane Amanpour addressed graduates of Harvard’s Kennedy School.
Both praised Harvard for standing up to the Trump administration, with Abdul-Jabbar specifically calling out the actions of Harvard President Alan Garber.
“When a tyrannical administration tried to bully and threaten Harvard, to revoke their academic freedom and to destroy free speech, Dr. Alan Garber rejected the illegal and immoral pressures,” Abdul-Jabbar said to wide applause as he compared Garber’s response to Rosa Parks’ stand against racist segregation.

Protests and Controversies

Ryan Enos, a government professor at Harvard University, speaks at a protest against President Donald Trump’s recent sanctions against Harvard in front of Science Center Plaza on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham)
The Trump administration has said it wants “to protect American students and faculty from antisemitic violence and harassment.” It cites campus protests against Israel. Like many college students around the country, Harvard students set up tents called on the university to divest from companies supporting Israel’s military, which has leveled Gaza in response to attacks by Hamas.
Last year, hundreds of graduating students walked out of commencement chanting “Free, free Palestine” after weeks of campus protests. Harvard also said some protesters would not receive diplomas alongside their classmates, although it eventually allowed most to get them.
This year, the anti-war demonstrations have largely faded from view, but protesters plan a silent vigil before Thursday’s ceremony.

Legal Action

In response to the administration’s threats, Harvard has sued to block the funding freeze and persuaded a federal judge to temporarily halt the enrollment ban. It is going to court in Boston on Thursday just as the commencement is wrapping up, hoping for a ruling that allows it to continue enrolling international students.
“We believe that the government overreach and devastating attacks on scientific and medical research are unwarranted and unlawful, and so we have taken legal action to defend the institution,” Garber said in an interview with a university publication.

Conclusion

Harvard University’s commencement is a significant event, not just for the students graduating but also for the institution as a whole, as it stands up against the Trump administration’s pressures. The university’s stance on academic freedom and its commitment to international students are being tested, and the outcome will have far-reaching implications for higher education in the United States.

FAQs

• Q: What is the Trump administration’s main concern regarding Harvard University?
  A: The Trump administration has expressed concerns about antisemitic violence and harassment on campus, citing protests against Israel.
• Q: How has Harvard University responded to the Trump administration’s demands?
  A: Harvard has sued to block the funding freeze and persuaded a federal judge to temporarily halt the enrollment ban, and it is taking a stand against the administration’s pressures.
• Q: What is the significance of Harvard University’s commencement this year?
  A: The commencement is significant because it marks a pivotal moment in the university’s history, as it defies the Trump administration’s demands and stands up for academic freedom and international students.
• Q: Who are some notable figures supporting Harvard University?
  A: Notable figures such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Dr. Abraham Verghese have expressed support for Harvard University’s stance against the Trump administration.
• Q: What is the potential outcome of the legal battle between Harvard University and the Trump administration?
  A: The outcome of the legal battle will have far-reaching implications for higher education in the United States, and it remains to be seen how the courts will rule on the matter.

  Harvard University graduating senior Victor Flores claps while listening to a fellow student speak at a protest against President Donald Trump’s recent sanctions against Harvard in front of Science Center Plaza on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham)
  Ryan Enos, a government professor at Harvard University, speaks at a protest against President Donald Trump’s recent sanctions against Harvard in front of Science Center Plaza on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham)
  Originally Published: May 29, 2025 at 9:04 AM EDT