Key Takeaways:
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem accuses Harvard of mishandling pro-Palestinian protests.
- A federal judge blocked DHS from revoking Harvard’s ability to host international students.
- Noem claims the court ruling was biased and vows to appeal.
- The feud reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to target universities over diversity and protest policies.
Noem and Harvard: A Growing Feud
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is intensifying her clash with Harvard University. She claims the school hasn’t done enough to address pro-Palestinian student protests, which she links to antisemitism and foreign influence.
Noem recently criticized a federal judge who sided with Harvard. The judge blocked DHS from revoking the university’s certification to host international students. Noem called the ruling biased, saying the court didn’t consider the case’s merits. She insists DHS is acting within its authority and expects to win on appeal.
What’s Behind the Battle?
The feud is part of a larger campaign by the Trump administration to challenge universities over diversity initiatives and student protests. Several top schools, including six Ivy League universities, have already faced pressure to comply with federal demands or risk losing funding.
Pro-Palestinian protests surged on U.S. campuses last year, especially after Israel’s actions in Gaza. Students often called for universities to divest from companies tied to Israel. While most protests were peaceful, according to a nonprofit study, over 3,000 student protesters were arrested.