A U.S. federal judge has stopped the Trump administration from banning Harvard University from enrolling international students.
Judge Allison Burroughs issued the ruling on Friday, granting a temporary order that allows Harvard to continue admitting foreign students and scholars. International students make up about one-quarter of Harvard’s student population.
The case began in April when the Trump administration removed Harvard from a program called SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program), run by the Department of Homeland Security. This program allows U.S. universities to register international students. The removal followed Harvard’s refusal to cancel its diversity programs, which the administration called “racist.”
Also Read:
- Man Arrested for Allegedly K!lling His 71-Year-Old Mother
- Police Arrest Notorious Cult Leader, Hired Killer in Lagos
Harvard took the government to court and asked for an injunction. Judge Burroughs heard both sides on Monday and ruled in favor of Harvard on Friday.
“This ruling is a major step in protecting international students’ rights to study in the United States,” said a Harvard spokesperson following the decision.
The judge had already issued a temporary restraining order last month, stopping the government from enforcing the ban. Friday’s ruling extends that protection while the case continues in court.
In a separate move believed to punish Harvard for not agreeing to its demands, the Trump administration also cut off over $2.6 billion in federal research funding to the university. That issue is also being challenged in court.
Harvard officials say they will keep fighting to ensure all students—no matter where they are from—have the opportunity to study and succeed.