Latest news with #HKS
Newsweek
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Harvard Finds International Student Lifeline Amid Trump Visa Showdown
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Harvard Kennedy School of Government (HKS) has brokered a deal with the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy to accept foreign students should the Trump administration succeed in blocking Harvard from enrolling them. In remarks provided to Newsweek via email, HKS Dean Jeremy Weinstein thanked the Munk School—"and other partners"—for their help "to ensure that we can continue to provide all HKS students with the excellent education they deserve. In similar remarks, Munk School Dean Janice Stein said that the agreement arose out of "exceptional times" and that the school "looks forward to providing shared academic and co-curricular experiences for students from both our schools." Why It Matters President Donald Trump targeted Harvard University and other higher education institutions, aiming to limit pro-Palestinian activism and end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. While Columbia University in New York City agreed to work with the administration, Harvard has refused to bow to its demands. In response, Trump canceled or froze billions of dollars in grants and contracts and attempted to strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status. The president then tried to block the school from enrolling foreign students, but this past week, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a preliminary injunction that extends a temporary order she had issued earlier this month that halted Trump's June 4 proclamation blocking foreign students from attending Harvard. University spokesperson Jason Newton said in a statement to Newsweek that the order will "continue to allow Harvard to host international students and scholars while this case moves forward." Signage for the Harvard Kennedy School of Government is pictured on July 8, 2020, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Signage for the Harvard Kennedy School of Government is pictured on July 8, 2020, in Cambridge, To Know Weinstein in a letter to students on Friday announced contingency plans in the event that the Trump administration ultimately wins its case and is able to block international students from enrolling at Harvard and it schools. Among those plans are the HKS Global program for new and returning students, in which they could take online classes and attend three intensive, in-person "convenings" in cities around the world led by HKS faculty. The other option is for returning students to attend the HKS at Munk School program, which would include a mix of online and in-person lessons taught by HKS faculty and instructors from the University of Toronto. "We are announcing these contingency plans now to alleviate the uncertainty many students feel, but we will not officially launch these programs unless there is sufficient demand from students who are unable to come to the United States due to visa or entry restrictions," Weinstein wrote. "If these programs become necessary, I am fully confident that we will provide a world-class HKS experience for any student who participates in them." According to information available on the HKS website, the goal of this program is to ensure students still receive their Harvard diplomas, which can only happen if students take "a certain percentage of their courses exclusively with HKS faculty"—excluding the possibility of students bypassing the issue by using the "visiting students" program at Munk. HKS currently enrolls students from over 100 countries, comprising an average of 52 percent of classes, according to a school spokesperson. In a YouGov poll surveying 3,717 American adults on May 23, 57 percent found it unacceptable for the federal government to block a university's ability to enroll international students, while the remainder of those surveyed were split evenly between finding it acceptable or saying they were unsure. What People Are Saying Weinstein, in comments shared with Newsweek: "At Harvard Kennedy School, we bring together the world's best students –– from the United States and across the world –– and train them to tackle the world's biggest problems. With these contingency plans in place, HKS will be able to continue to provide a world-class public policy education to all of our students, even if they cannot make it to our campus this year. We are deeply grateful for the support of the Munk School and other partners, who are helping to ensure that we can continue to provide all HKS students with the excellent education they deserve." Stein, in comments shared with Newsweek: "These are exceptional times. If Harvard Kennedy School international students are not able to complete their studies in Cambridge. Mass., the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy looks forward to providing shared academic and co-curricular experiences for students from both our schools." Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary, said in a previous statement to Newsweek: "It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments. The Trump administration is committed to restoring common sense to our student visa system; no lawsuit, this or any other, is going to change that. We have the law, the facts, and common sense on our side." Trump wrote on Truth Social last week: "Many people have been asking what is going on with Harvard University and their largescale improprieties that we have been addressing, looking for a solution. We have been working closely with Harvard, and it is very possible that a Deal will be announced over the next week or so." He added: "They have acted extremely appropriately during these negotiations, and appear to be committed to doing what is right. If a Settlement is made on the basis that is currently being discussed, it will be 'mindbogglingly' HISTORIC, and very good for our Country. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" What Happens Next The case will continue to work its way up to the Supreme Court, where Harvard University and the Trump administration will seek a final resolution. Should the administration succeed, the university will have these programs ready to launch. As Trump indicated in his Truth Social post, the university and administration may reach a deal before the case is settled in court.
The Guardian
20 hours ago
- Business
- The Guardian
University of Toronto agrees to host Harvard students facing Trump visa restrictions
Harvard University and the University of Toronto and have announced a plan that would see some Harvard students complete their studies in Canada if visa restrictions prevent them from they're barred from entering the United States. The pact between the two schools reflects the tumultuous and 'exceptional' politics of the postsecondary world during the second term of US president Donald Trump. The deal is between the Harvard John F Kennedy School of Government and the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. Jeremy Weinstein, the Harvard Kennedy School dean, said in a letter to students the plans are meant to ease concerns but a formal program would only be unveiled if there is 'sufficient demand' from students who are unable to come to the United States. 'We are deeply grateful for the support of the Munk School and other partners, who are helping to ensure that we can continue to provide all HKS students with the excellent education they deserve,' he said. Harvard is locked in an acrimonious legal battle with the Trump administration after it claims the Department of Homeland Security improperly revoked its ability to enrol international students. Nearly a quarter of Harvard's students come from outside the US and are a key source of funding for the school. Harvard has so far won two preliminary injunctions against the DHS, probably clearing a path for international students to obtain entry visas. 'These are exceptional times,' Janice Stein, the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, said in a statement. 'If Harvard Kennedy School international students are not able to complete their studies in Cambridge, Mass., the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy looks forward to providing shared academic and co-curricular experiences for students from both our schools.' In addition to the HKS at Munk School program, the schools also announced HKS Global, which will have both an online and in-person component. Harvard students attending the University of Toronto will still have to apply for Canadian study permits and would be enrolled as full-time, non-degree students at the Munk school. The future program is only open to students who have already completed a year of study the United States. Canada has put its own cap on international students and curtailed the amount of visas it will issue. The University of Toronto said the plan with Harvard 'would not reduce the number of spaces available for U of T students in any academic programs or in university housing'.
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Harvard Kennedy School lays off staff amid $53 billion endowment tax threat and federal funding cuts
Harvard layoffs: Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) has announced staff layoffs and significant budget cuts as it grapples with financial pressures stemming from federal funding reductions and a looming tax increase on Harvard's $53.2 billion endowment. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The school's dean, Jeremy M. Weinstein, conveyed the difficult news in an email to faculty and staff, describing the challenges as "unprecedented" and underscoring the severity of the situation faced by the institution. The financial strain is largely attributed to policies enacted by the Trump administration, including multibillion-dollar cuts to federal research funding and restrictions on international students, both critical revenue sources for HKS. Despite efforts to reduce costs through hiring freezes and paused merit raises, Weinstein indicated that layoffs were unavoidable, highlighting the harsh realities confronting one of the nation's premier public policy schools, as reported by the Harvard Crimson. Budget cuts and layoffs amid federal challenges In his announcement, Weinstein detailed a series of austerity measures aimed at stabilizing the school's finances. These include ending the lease on a key office space at 124 Mt. Auburn Street, halting all non-urgent construction and renovation projects, and reducing departmental budgets across the board. However, even these steps could not fully offset the financial challenges, forcing the school to lay off an unspecified number of employees. "We began planning for budget cuts as early as February, but the Trump administration's actions have since brought on unprecedented new headwinds," Weinstein wrote, as reported by the Harvard Crimson. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The administration's visa policies, particularly attempts to revoke Harvard's certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), have further endangered the enrollment of international students, who made up 59 percent of HKS's student body last year. International student restrictions compound the crisis The Trump administration's visa restrictions and travel bans have created uncertainty for international students, who play a vital role in the school's community and finances. The administration's efforts to restrict student visas have been temporarily blocked by federal courts, but new attempts to revoke Harvard's SEVP certification persist. Additionally, President Trump's 12-country travel ban affects at least five current HKS students, creating further hurdles. Weinstein outlined contingency plans, including shifting to online coursework and offering a visiting program in Canada, should international student enrollments decline drastically. These measures underscore the school's preparation for ongoing uncertainty, as reported by the Harvard Crimson. Looming tax increase threatens endowment and funding stability Adding to the financial pressure is a congressional proposal to hike the tax on Harvard's massive endowment. The House of Representatives passed legislation proposing a 21 percent tax on the endowment, which was later revised by the Senate Finance Committee to an 8 percent rate—still a sixfold increase from the current 1.4 percent tax. This tax hike could cost Harvard approximately $200 million annually. University President Alan M. Garber has described this endowment tax threat as "the threat that keeps me up at night," according to the Harvard Crimson. Such a tax would significantly impact Harvard's financial resources and exacerbate budget difficulties across its schools, including HKS. Despite the bleak outlook, Weinstein pledged transparency and support during this challenging period. "I hope we can support each other and our departing colleagues during this difficult time," he wrote, as reported by the Harvard Crimson. The layoffs and budget cuts at Harvard Kennedy School reflect broader financial challenges facing US higher education institutions amid shifting federal policies and economic uncertainty.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Harvard Kennedy School plans online and Toronto-based alternatives for international students facing visa delays
Harvard Kennedy School plans online and Toronto-based alternatives for international students. As visa delays and travel bans disrupt academic plans worldwide, the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is preparing to bring its classrooms to students—wherever they are. With U.S. immigration hurdles still threatening access to campus, the school is finalizing contingency options that would allow affected international students to either study remotely or attend in-person classes at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. The move signals Harvard's broader effort to shield global learners from the geopolitical turbulence that continues to challenge cross-border education. A flexible path for students stuck abroad If international students are unable to enter the US due to visa delays or travel restrictions, HKS may offer two alternatives: remote learning or a study-away program at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. The remote option would allow students to take courses online, supplemented by three in-person learning sessions in global cities outside the US, where HKS faculty would lead short, intensive programs for credit. For returning students, there's an added alternative: spend the academic year in Toronto, completing a mix of online and in-person coursework with professors from both Harvard and the Munk School. Students enrolled in the Toronto program would still graduate with an HKS degree. Legal wins offer hope, but risks persist These plans emerge as Harvard continues to push back against federal actions targeting international students. Though the university recently won preliminary injunctions against efforts to revoke its SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) certification and block student visa holders from entering the country, legal threats remain. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Supermat alene stopper ikke kjendis-søtsuget Apotekmagasinet Vital Les mer Undo A renewed attempt by the Department of Homeland Security to cancel Harvard's SEVP authorization is pending, and could be enacted as soon as this week. Meanwhile, several students have already seen their visa applications stalled in 'administrative processing' — a bureaucratic gray zone that delays travel without officially denying entry. Complicating matters further, a separate US travel ban on 12 countries and partial restrictions on seven more could prevent many students from ever setting foot on campus. Toronto campus, Harvard diploma The proposed program at the Munk School would offer HKS students a unique hybrid experience—attending classes in Toronto while earning a Harvard degree. The curriculum would blend online instruction with in-person sessions led by faculty from both institutions. While students would be enrolled full-time at the Munk School, their academic records and graduation credentials would remain fully tied to HKS. This setup would offer a high-quality academic environment in a more accessible country for many students, while preserving the prestige and rigor of a Harvard education. Still waiting on green light While Harvard is eager to keep students on campus, the Kennedy School is preparing for all possibilities. The Toronto-based program still requires approval from the New England Commission of Higher Education, and international students would need to obtain Canadian visas to participate. For now, HKS is surveying its international students to gauge demand and will hold virtual information sessions in the coming days. Whether online, in Canada, or in Cambridge, the school aims to ensure that no student is left behind because of geopolitical barriers. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Chaos at Thiruvananthapuram corporation council meet over corruption allegations against BJP members
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The city corporation council meeting witnessed unruly scenes on Thursday after LDF councillors raised serious corruption allegations against two BJP councillors. The meeting turned stormy after LDF councillors demanded the resignation of Punnakkamugal ward councillor Manju P V alleging misappropriation of user fees collected by Haritha Karma Sena (HKS) members. The council has ordered a comprehensive probe into corruption allegations involving two BJP women councillors - Punnakkamugal ward councillor P V Manju and Pappanamcode councillor G S Asha Nath- following heated exchanges and chaos during the council meeting. The council has identified a financial irregularity of Rs 3 lakh in user fees collected by HKS members in Punnakkamugal ward. Similarly, Asha Nath is facing allegations of collecting bribes through intermediaries for issuing free application forms related to various services provided by the civic body. As part of the preliminary probe, a police complaint has been filed by the corporation secretary at the Poojapura Police Station. LDF councillors demanded the immediate suspension of both P V Manju and Asha Nath and held up placards during the session. The BJP councillors disrupted the council session and came out into the well of the council hall. Many BJP women councillors climbed the Mayor's dias. Deputy mayor P K Raju and standing committee chairman Medayil Vikraman were allegedly manhandled during the ruckus. Complaints also claim that office-bearers of the Punnakkamugal HKS consortium, allegedly with support from the councillor, threatened HKS workers and tried to extort money from them. Mayor Arya Rajendran stated that the councillor attempted to downplay the issue and only filed complaints after media reports exposed the matter. According to the Mayor, the irregularities came to light during a review meeting held on June 14 in various circles under the Health Standing Committee. Health inspectors and junior health inspectors flagged the issue, and though the councillor was informed, she failed to notify the corporation until after the news broke on June 23. BJP councillors attended the session wearing badges with the image of Bharathamba, in protest against the recent controversy surrounding the depiction of Bharathamba at Raj Bhavan. This further triggered tension at the council.
