Harvard University’s commencement on Thursday marked a historic moment amid ongoing tensions with the federal government, with graduates and faculty rallying around themes of diversity, truth, and resistance. As the Ivy League school navigates a turbulent political landscape, speakers emphasized the importance of maintaining an international student body and standing firm against attacks on academic freedom.
The ceremony took place at a pivotal time for Harvard, which has become a symbol of defiance amid the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape higher education. Facing threats of funding cuts, restrictions on admissions, and investigations into its policies, Harvard has been actively challenging federal actions in court, even as it bears the financial and reputational costs.
“Harvard is at the center of a national battle over higher education in America,” declared graduate Thor Reimann, addressing his classmates. “Our university is imperfect, but I am proud to stand today with our class, our faculty, and our president, united in defending the ongoing project of veritas a pursuit worth fighting for.”
The federal government under President Trump has targeted Harvard with a series of measures, including canceling over $2.6 billion in research grants, halting visa interviews for international students nationwide, and proposing to cut Harvard’s international student enrollment from 25 percent to about 15 percent. Additionally, the administration has asked federal agencies to cancel about $100 million in contracts with the university and threatened to revoke its tax-exempt status.
Despite these challenges, Harvard remains financially resilient, bolstered by a $53 billion endowment. The university continues to champion academic freedom and oppose efforts to restrict viewpoints related to sensitive topics such as Israel and Palestine. The Trump administration has accused Harvard of harboring antisemitic violence and harassment, demanding broad leadership changes and extensive audits of its faculty and student body to ensure ideological diversity.
As graduates moved their tassels and celebrated their achievements, many recognized the broader fight for academic integrity and free inquiry. Harvard’s resilience underscores the importance of defending liberal education against political pressures, while reaffirming its commitment to fostering a diverse, global community of scholars.
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