Interior Minister characterizes Harvard's predicament as extraordinarily dramatic - Harvard's state, according to Minister Bär, is "dramatic in a severe manner" or "extremely tense."
German Federal Minister of State for Digital and Education Dorothee Bär described the current situation at Harvard University as "highly dramatic" at a meeting with her EU colleagues in Brussels on Friday. Currently, Harvard is unable to admit international students, including those from the European Union, due to a decision by the United States Department of Homeland Security.
During the meeting, Bär is expected to discuss expanding Germany's excellence strategy and potential European strategies with her EU colleagues. According to Bär, German universities are receiving more inquiries from foreign academics and students, with many looking to bypass the US and enroll in German institutions instead.
The ban on Harvard admitting international students follows a decision by the administration of US President Donald Trump to revoke the university's certification to enroll international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The university was given a 72-hour deadline to submit requested documents to regain SEVP certification.
As a result, nearly 6,800 international students who are currently enrolled at Harvard may complete the current academic year, but will need to transfer to another SEVP-certified institution for the following academic year to maintain their legal immigration status in the US. Furthermore, Harvard cannot admit any new international students for the 2025-2026 academic year, unless the DHS decision is overturned by a court or the university regains certification.
Harvard has described the government's action as "unlawful" and a "retaliatory measure" and has stated that the university must continue to have the opportunity to admit international students and scholars, who come from more than 140 countries around the world and significantly enrich the university and the country. Prospective international students, including those from the EU, who had received offers for the 2025-2026 academic year may now need to defer, transfer, or seek admission elsewhere.
Tensions between academic institutions and federal oversight have become a contentious issue, with Harvard expected to challenge the government's decision in court. The move has sparked debate over national security concerns and academic freedom. Harvard cited non-compliance with federal demands for records related to international students, campus safety, and alleged issues with campus environment policies as reasons for the decision. The DHS had also cited the university's "refusal" to create a safe environment for Jewish students and the "racist" guidelines of the university's Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
- The Commission, amidst discussions on expanding Europe's excellence strategy, may consider a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers, specifically concerning the risks related to exposure to carcinogens, as a way to address the urgent need for safer learning environments, given the international students' predicament at Harvard University due to controversial political decisions.
- In the realm of education-and-self-development, it is essential for individuals to remain informed about war-and-conflicts and politics, as such global events can profoundly impact general-news and even the opportunities for learning, as demonstrated by the current situation at Harvard.
- As the world witnesses the dramatic consequences of banning international students at prestigious institutions, such as Harvard University, it becomes essential to advocate for learning opportunities and academic freedom, ensuring unified friendships, cultural exchanges, and collaborations across nations, fostering a harmonious global community.
