On Thursday, Harvard University’s iconic campus turned into a rallying ground as students and faculty gathered to push back against President Donald Trump’s recent threats to restrict international enrollment and strip the university of its tax-exempt status.
The protest, held in Harvard Yard, highlighted two main concerns:
- Limiting the university’s ability to host international students
- Revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt designation
Participants warned that these measures could ripple far beyond Cambridge, shaking the foundations of academic freedom and global collaboration that top universities rely on. For many, Harvard isn’t just a campus in Massachusetts—it’s a crossroads of global ideas and innovation.
Protesters carried signs reading "Global Minds, Open Doors" and "Academic Freedom for All," underscoring how intertwined higher education and international exchange have become. They argued that curbing international programs threatens research partnerships and cultural diversity across G20 nations and beyond.
As debates over policy and power intensify in Washington, Harvard’s demonstration offers a vivid snapshot of a larger global conversation about preserving open academic communities. For digitally savvy Young Global Citizens tuning in from around the world, the stakes are clear: cutting ties to international talent could redefine the future of innovation.
What do you think? Share your thoughts on social media and join the conversation on the future of higher education in a connected world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
