US President Donald Trump said on Friday that his government is close to a possible settlement with Harvard University, which may settle a high-profile battle with the Ivy League institution. Trump commended Harvard for its cooperation and hinted at a possible agreement in a week’s time.
“Both of them have behaved very sensibly in these negotiations and seem to be dedicated to doing the right thing,” Trump told social media. He further said that the settlement, if finalized, will be “mindbogglingly HISTORIC” and a big success for the nation.
The Trump administration has since focused on Harvard in recent months, alleging political bias and promoting antisemitism. As part of an effort, the government froze more than $2.6 billion in federal research funds and threatened to withdraw Harvard’s tax-exempt status. Trump also attempted to deny foreign students the ability to enroll, prompting several legal battles.
On Friday, US District Judge Allison Burroughs in Boston granted a Harvard request to continue admitting international students as ongoing court proceedings are determined. Harvard had sued the Department of Homeland Security in May after its certification to receive foreign students was withdrawn, an action that might have sent 7,000 international students packing or threaten to break immigration laws.
The university claimed the government’s move was unlawful retaliation for Harvard’s defiance of requests to alter policy relating to protesting, admissions, and hiring. The legal battle has left international students in limbo and has caused some of them to go searching elsewhere overseas.
In spite of renewed challenges, Trump’s administration has remained committed to restrictions, in the name of national interests. The outcome of this unfolding scenario might have far-reaching implications for US higher education and its relationship with foreign students.
Neither Harvard nor the White House offered further comment beyond Trump’s public statement.