Category: Education

Trump Administration’s Interference Forces Mass Resignation of Fulbright Board Members

Members of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board have overwhelmingly resigned, citing “unprecedented actions” by the Trump administration as impermissible under the law. These actions include the denial of numerous Fulbright awards for the 2025-2026 academic year and an unauthorized review process affecting over 1,200 foreign recipients. Such interference contradicts the core values of free speech and academic freedom integral to the Fulbright mission.

The board, established by Congress in 1961, typically selects students and scholars for a prestigious cultural exchange program based on merit rather than political ideology. However, the integrity of this program is now threatened, with only one member, Carmen Estrada-Schaye, remaining after the resignations. This politicization undermines the essential mission of promoting educational opportunities and cultural exchanges globally.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the highest-ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed concern that this move would significantly diminish the quality of Fulbright programming. The former board members voiced that they had previously raised legal objections to the Trump administration’s actions, yet met with silence from officials who show no willingness to rectify the situation.

In addition to the Fulbright board issues, the Trump administration has implemented a range of policies that threaten international students’ privileges in the U.S., including a recent proclamation suspending international student visas at Harvard University. This aggressive approach not only chills international educational exchange but also jeopardizes the future of American higher education’s global standing and directly impacts the labor market.

As educational institutions across the nation bear the brunt of these changes, the ramifications extend beyond academia, potentially destabilizing the economy. Trump’s ongoing assault on educational integrity and international collaboration further solidifies his administration’s alignment with an authoritarian agenda, hostile to democratic values and the diverse influx of global talent that has historically enriched American society.

(h/t: https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/12/politics/fulbright-scholarship-board-resign-trump)

Trump’s Assault on Harvard: International Student Admissions Under Threat

President Donald Trump has intensified his anti-Harvard campaign by issuing an order that effectively bars international students from studying at the university, claiming it is due to alleged national security concerns. This directive adds another layer to Trump’s ongoing conflict with Harvard and aligns with his administration’s broader agenda of targeting academic institutions critical of his policies.

Alongside preventing new international student admissions, Trump has authorized Secretary of State Marco Rubio to begin revoking existing visas for foreign students already enrolled at Harvard. Trump’s assertions that Harvard has not disclosed information regarding “known illegal activity” purportedly tied to international students signal an attempt to undermine the university’s autonomy.

The Trump administration previously expressed intentions to interfere with Harvard’s enrollment of foreign students. However, a federal judge blocked these efforts, highlighting the illegality of the administration’s interference with academic processes. Harvard has pushed back against Trump’s claims, defending their commitment to protecting their international student body amidst what they characterize as retaliatory actions from the White House.

Furthermore, Trump previously threatened to strip Harvard of over $2 billion in federal funding unless the university altered its admissions and disciplinary policies. This retaliation seems to stem from Trump’s perceptions of the institution’s response to protests related to antisemitism. The refusal of Harvard to comply with such demands has made it a target of punitive measures from the Trump administration.

Critics, including Lawrence Summers, former professor and Secretary of the Treasury, have condemned Trump’s actions as “punitive extortion,” arguing that they undermine the integrity and contribution of academic institutions to the national economy. They caution that such an approach could alienate allies and hinder America’s global competitiveness in scientific and educational fields.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s Evasive Responses Risk Educational Integrity Amid Trump-Era Revisions

Education Secretary Linda McMahon has remained evasive regarding the teaching of the 2020 presidential election results during a recent House Education and Workforce Committee hearing. When pressed by Democratic Rep. Summer Lee on whether teaching that Joe Biden won the election constitutes “illegal DEI” (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) practices under threats from the Trump administration, McMahon failed to provide a direct answer and emphasized the need for accurate social studies education.

During the exchange, Lee highlighted significant historical events and figures, such as the Tulsa race massacre and Ruby Bridges, but McMahon’s unfamiliarity with these topics raised concerns about her qualifications for the position. Her responses — or lack thereof — suggested a troubling disconnect from fundamental aspects of American history, which could reflect a broader agenda to undermine educational integrity.

The hearing was particularly contentious as it also touched on new education standards in places like Oklahoma, which echo Trump’s unfounded claims about election fraud. These standards require students to question the legitimacy of the 2020 election, further perpetuating the misinformation that has defined much of Trump’s influence in education policy.

McMahon has been advocating for drastic budget cuts to the Department of Education, seeking a substantial reduction that could negatively impact educational resources for lower-income families and rural students. This push aligns with Trump’s broader agenda to weaken educational oversight and promote a curriculum that aligns with his and his administration’s narratives.

The implications of McMahon’s ambiguous stance, combined with the proposed cuts and the push for a distorted educational narrative, reflect a systematic attempt to manipulate educational content to serve a political ideology. This effort not only jeopardizes the integrity of the education system but also threatens the foundation of democracy by propagating misinformation to the next generation.

Trump Administration Purges Education Board in Politically Charged Move Against Research Integrity

The Trump Administration recently dismissed all 13 members of the National Board for Education Sciences (NBES), all appointed by Biden, highlighting a politically motivated attack on an essential federal education research body. This purge occurred on May 23, 2025, and comes as part of an ongoing strategy to undermine the Department of Education and dismantle its crucial functions.

The NBES was established by Congress in 2002 to guide the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) in shaping a $900 million research agenda aimed at improving educational outcomes and closing achievement gaps. However, the new leadership under Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon has shifted focus away from research integrity and into a narrative of alleged partisan influence, justifying these firings by claiming failures in student performance and excessive spending on research contracts.

Madi Biedermann, a spokesperson for the Education Department, stated that the board’s priorities were misaligned and cited poor results from the Nation’s Report Card as a measure of their purported failings. These claims, however, are largely viewed as a facade to mask a broader objective to politicize educational research and suppress diversity and inclusion efforts in schools.

Former NBES member Shaun Harper expressed outrage at the allegations, firmly denying any misconduct or political bias within the board’s activities. Harper noted their commitment as educators and researchers was solely to advance beneficial policies for democracy, contrary to the Administration’s mischaracterization. He further warned that dismantling the board without appropriate replacements would exacerbate educational inequities, particularly for underserved populations.

This significant shakeup raises concerns over the future of the IES and the integrity of educational research in America. As crucial contracts for long-term educational studies are canceled and insights into family dynamics and student needs diminish, students from marginalized groups face an increased risk of educational neglect. Trump’s systematic dismantling of the department not only undermines academic research but fundamentally threatens the principles of equity and access to quality education.

Trump Administration Targets Harvard with $100 Million Contract Termination Threats

The Trump administration is escalating its attacks on Harvard University, directing federal agencies to terminate all remaining contracts with the institution, amounting to approximately $100 million. This latest move appears as part of an ongoing, politically charged campaign against Harvard and similar educational establishments that resist the administration’s demands. The directive, issued by General Services Administration official Josh Gruenbaum, encourages contract terminations for agencies that believe they do not meet established standards.

Harvard has faced significant scrutiny from the Trump administration, which recently implemented over $2 billion in cuts to the university. The administration’s review of nearly $9 billion in contracts has intensified the pressure on Harvard, showcasing a broader trend of hostility directed at colleges perceived to embody liberal ideologies. Despite demands from the administration for various records, including those pertaining to foreign students, Harvard has maintained its stance against compliance with numerous government requests.

Among the complaints against Harvard, the Trump administration has accused the university of engaging in race discrimination in admissions—a matter that was recently central to a Supreme Court decision. Furthermore, the administration communicated concerns regarding the university’s failure to adequately protect Jewish students, a reflection of the administration’s ongoing narrative that seeks to politicize issues of campus safety and diversity.

Harvard President Alan Garber addressed these challenges by highlighting a broader cultural conflict at play, indicating that the administration’s ire reflects a dissatisfaction with modern academic environments and the values they represent. Harvard has pushed back against multiple demands, arguing that the actions taken by the Trump administration are clearly retaliatory and politically motivated.

This crackdown includes threats to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status and the cancellation of its ability to enroll foreign students, actions that have spurred legal challenges from the university. Trump’s continuous pressure on Harvard not only jeopardizes the institution’s funding but also threatens academic integrity and freedom, further illustrating the damaging impact of Republican policies on higher education.

(h/t: https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/27/us/trump-harvard-cancel-federal-contracts)

Trump’s Attacks on Harvard Amplify Anti-Immigrant Agenda and Threaten Academic Freedom

President Donald Trump has intensified his attacks on Harvard University, demanding details about its international students while accusing the institution of harboring “radicalized lunatics.” In a post on his Truth Social platform, he expressed frustration over what he perceives as Harvard’s slow response in providing foreign student lists, which he claims are necessary for national security assessments while belittling the contributions of foreign students to the university.

Trump baselessly asserted that approximately 31% of Harvard’s student body comes from abroad and claimed that these students do not contribute to their education costs. However, official data from Harvard indicates that foreign students actually make up just 27% of the population. This inaccurate portrayal underscores Trump’s tendency to manipulate statistics to further his anti-immigrant agenda.

Trump’s campaign against Harvard has included threats to revoke the university’s ability to enroll foreign students, positioning the institution as unsafe under allegations that it permits anti-American sentiments. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has accused Harvard of fostering violence and antisemitism while insinuating ties to foreign adversaries such as the Chinese Communist Party.

Despite Trump’s aggressive rhetoric, a federal judge recently intervened, temporarily blocking the government’s efforts to revoke Harvard’s foreign student enrollment capability. The court criticized the Administration’s actions as a serious constitutional violation, reflecting the judiciary’s growing resistance to Trump’s authoritarian overreach.

Additionally, Trump has sought to reshape Harvard’s administration and policies, calling for the elimination of diversity programs and compliance with his administration’s ideologically driven agendas. Such demands expose the Trump administration’s broader campaign against academic freedom and diversity, undermining the integrity of academic institutions in favor of partisan interests.

Trump Administration Exploits Antisemitism Allegations Against Columbia University to Quash Dissent

The Trump administration has accused Columbia University of violating federal civil rights laws by fostering a “hostile environment” for Jewish students, following allegations of failure to address student-on-student harassment since the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) highlighted the university’s so-called “deliberate indifference” toward the antisemitic incidents occurring on campus, as presented in their findings.

HHS claims that Columbia’s actions violate Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, including those perceived to be of Israeli or Jewish heritage. According to the government, Columbia has inadequately protected Jewish students for over 19 months. The findings relied on various sources, including witness interviews, media coverage, and university reports, that documented a systematic neglect of antisemitism concerns.

In light of these findings, the Trump administration has mandated Columbia to implement significant reforms. Columbia University acknowledged the allegations, with interim president Katrina Armstrong stating the institution’s commitment to combating antisemitism and discrimination. However, this situation unfolds against a backdrop of increased scrutiny from the Trump administration towards universities engaging in any form of protest against its policies, particularly concerning pro-Palestinian actions.

The administration’s punitive measures have recently included the cancellation of $400 million in federal grants due to Columbia’s alleged inaction against ongoing harassment of Jewish students. The administration’s messaging, driven by White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson, frames universities such as Columbia as “hotbeds” of antisemitism and terrorism, effectively weaponizing anti-Semitism to suppress dissent and limit academic freedom on campuses.

Overall, this incident reflects a disturbing trend of politicizing civil liberties under the current administration, which appears intent on using accusations of antisemitism as a tool to stifle protest and dissent against its policies, creating fear in university environments rather than fostering open dialogue.

Trump’s Assault on Harvard: Targeting International Students and Academic Integrity

President Donald Trump has escalated his attacks on Harvard University by demanding detailed information about international students enrolled at the school. His remarks are part of an ongoing campaign to undermine the esteemed institution, which has faced ongoing scrutiny from his administration.

Trump criticized Harvard for allegedly failing to disclose the nationality of its international students, specifically questioning why the university does not highlight that approximately 31% of its student body originates from foreign countries. He misleadingly argues that these students do not contribute to their education despite the fact that they typically pay full tuition, thereby subsidizing costs for domestic students.

This latest incident comes amidst the Trump administration’s broader efforts to hinder Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students, alongside a series of actions aimed at punishing the university for its diversity initiatives and perceived bias. Harvard is currently embroiled in legal battles, including a lawsuit against the Trump administration concerning the freezing of federal funding essential for its operations.

Critics of Trump’s move argue that targeting international students not only endangers the university’s financial stability but also threatens diversity and academic integrity within U.S. higher education. Furthermore, the potential repercussions of Trump’s policies could reach far beyond Harvard, impacting colleges and universities across the nation as they attempt to navigate the administration’s hostile environment.

Trump’s persistent focus on foreign students, alongside allegations of anti-Semitism and discrimination, reveals a troubling pattern of behavior that seeks to reshape higher education in alignment with his political agenda. As federal judges temporarily block certain measures against Harvard, it remains clear that Trump’s administration is determined to impose its will on elite academic institutions.

Trump’s Attacks on Harvard’s International Students Threaten Academic Integrity and Diversity

President Donald Trump has taken a troubling stance on foreign students at Harvard University, claiming that many of them are incapable of performing basic math. His remarks aimed to justify the Trump administration’s recent decision to pursue a ban on international students, which could erase a significant portion of Harvard’s student body. This decree comes despite ongoing legal challenges, including a temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, appointed by former President Obama.

Harvard has publicly denounced the administration’s actions, arguing that international students represent over a quarter of its enrollment and are vital to the university’s mission. The institution filed a lawsuit asserting that the Trump administration seeks to “erase” these students, highlighting their essential contributions to the academic community. Trump’s administration, however, chose to terminate Harvard’s connection to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, alleging ties to violence and anti-Semitism.

In a White House press briefing, Trump downplayed the contributions of foreign students, suggesting that many require remedial math training. His assertion came off as a blatant affront to the intelligence and capabilities of these students, who are often among the best talents globally. This unfounded generalization serves only to reinforce xenophobic attitudes and distract from the true merits of a diverse academic environment.

Despite Harvard’s ongoing efforts to improve educational standards, including newly introduced courses to address gaps in foundational math skills, Trump’s rhetoric tends to target perceived shortcomings rather than acknowledging the systemic issues facing education today. Further, he referenced campus protests over antisemitism, suggesting that protesting students are the same individuals he claims lack basic math skills, thus attempting to delegitimize legitimate grievances.

Trump’s attack on Harvard and its international student population is emblematic of a broader Republican agenda that seeks to undermine academic freedom and diversity in higher education. By playing to fear and prejudice, the Trump administration aims to consolidate power and control over educational institutions, prioritizing loyalty over intellectual merit and inclusivity. This strategy not only threatens American democracy but also risks the valuable contributions that diverse perspectives bring to the scholarly community.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/media/tv/trump-defends-harvard-ban-on-foreign-students-by-claiming-a-lot-of-them-cant-add-2-2/)

IRS Eyes Tax Status Revocation for Harvard Amid Trump Threats

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is preparing to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status in a retaliatory move as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on the institution for resisting its demands. Sources indicate that a final decision on this unprecedented action is imminent, following the administration’s blockade of over $2 billion in federal funding aimed at Harvard.

President Donald Trump has explicitly threatened to punish Harvard through social media, stating that the university should lose its tax exemption if it continues to promote what he describes as harmful political ideologies. In a recent post on Truth Social, he characterized Harvard as failing to act in the public interest, an accusation leveled as part of a broader, authoritarian campaign against institutions that challenge his administration’s agenda.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon has suggested that the IRS investigation into Harvard is warranted, indicating that the agency should also scrutinize other elite universities that have large endowments. Her comments echo the administration’s larger strategy of threatening academic institutions with funding cuts unless they align with its narrow definitions of political compliance, revealing a clear disregard for the principles of academic freedom.

The process for revoking tax-exempt status involves an extensive audit and a formal notification to the organization, but Trump’s administration is bypassing traditional procedures by directly threatening prestigious institutions. This approach marks a significant departure from IRS norms, where such actions are usually determined by career staff rather than political appointees. Observers note this trend reflects a dangerous precedent that jeopardizes the basic tenets of higher education.

With Harvard’s unwavering stance against the administration’s demands, the threat of rescinding its tax exemption is a clear move to silence dissent among academic institutions. This tactic not only undermines the principles of free inquiry and expression central to higher education but also reveals Trump’s ongoing efforts to weaponize federal power against those who oppose his authoritarian ideals.

(h/t: https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/16/politics/irs-harvard-tax-exempt-status/index.html)

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