Harvard University holds commencement amid school's unprecedented fight with Trump administration
Harvard University held its commencement on Thursday, and the Ivy League school's ongoing battle with the Trump administration over international student enrollment and federal funding was on the mind of speakers and students at the graduation ceremony in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Harvard president Alan Garber, who has remained defiant as President Trump demands changes at the school, did not address the controversy directly. But he had a message about who is welcome at Harvard, from "down the street, across the country and around the world."
"Around the world, just as it should be," Garber said, earning an extended standing ovation.
Who is Harvard's commencement speaker?
Physician and bestselling author Dr. Abraham Verghese served as Harvard's commencement speaker. Verghese is an infectious disease doctor who was awarded the National Humanities Medal by former President Barack Obama for promoting "patient-centered" healthcare, Harvard says.
Verghese in his commencement speech referred to Harvard as a "besieged community" and spoke out about government's immigration raids.
"When legal immigrants and others who are lawfully in this country, including so many of your international students, worry about being wrongly detained and even deported, perhaps it's fitting that you hear from an immigrant like me," he said.
Verghese praised Harvard for setting an example by leading a legal fight against "a cascade of draconian government measures."
"In the face of immense pressure, Harvard, under President Garber's steady leadership, has been very visible in making decisions worthy of your university's heritage," Verghese said. "Decisions that will reveal and shape this university's character."
Harvard graduation ceremony
New Harvard graduate Ahmed Riesgo told WBZ-TV that the university "is in a tough spot" and he thinks an agreement will need to be reached with the federal government.
"It's a bit of a shame because that's sort of been hovering in the air," Riesgo said. "I think we're here obviously to celebrate the graduates and unfortunately politics is in it."
Graduate Kaylen Rivers says it's a time for the Harvard community to come together.
"There are several members whose pursuit of education are at risk right now, and I think we need to protect those people," she said. "Just gathering here and understanding the weight of the situation and that we're not powerless."
"It was a wonderful year that culminated with great resilience and determination and grit," said graduate Benjamin Rossen.
Graduating students admit they feel uneasy, especially those entering science fields who worry about future funding for potential jobs.
"We're all worried about jobs, we're all worried about just job security, we're coming out hopeful about the future but yes, it's very scary at the current time," said graduate Talon Floodman.
Hearing on foreign student enrollment at Harvard
While commencement was happening Thursday, a federal judge in Boston said she planned to extend an order that blocks the Trump administration from restricting foreign student enrollment at Harvard.
On Wednesday, President Trump suggested that Harvard cap its foreign enrollment at 15%, and said the school needs to "show us their lists" of students coming from abroad. Currently, international students make up 27.2% of the student population.
"Harvard has been a disaster," Mr. Trump said. "They're taking people from areas of the world that are very radicalized, and we don't want them making trouble in our country."
Harvard students this week rallied in support of their international classmates. Some graduating foreign students at the protest said they were scared they wouldn't be able to make it to commencement.
Even as Harvard has so far prevailed against attempts to bar international students, Timmy Olgunju from Nigeria is convicted that Mr. Trump will change his mind.
"I think President Trump will see the numbers of the impact of international students on the value of the U.S. economy will speak to his soul," said Olgunju.
