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Time of India
a day 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.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Harvard student visa ban effort by Trump unlawful, says US judge
US judge rules Trump overstepped in attempt to block Harvard's foreign students (Photo: A US federal judge has blocked President Trump's newest effort to prevent foreign students from attending Harvard University, ruling that the administration's actions exceeded legal authority. The ruling safeguards the ability of roughly 7,000 international students to continue studying at the prestigious Ivy League institution while the case proceeds. The move comes after the Trump administration sought to cut Harvard's enrollment of foreign students as part of a broader campaign aimed at forcing changes in the university's policies and governance. A judge in Boston determined that these government efforts threaten fundamental rights related to freedom of speech and academic freedom, according to court documents obtained by the Associated Press. Government's effort seen as overreach in controlling Harvard US District Judge Allison Burroughs issued the order Monday, temporarily halting the Trump administration's proclamation issued on June 4, which sought to block foreign students from entering the US to study at Harvard. In her ruling, Judge Burroughs wrote that the government's "misplaced efforts to control a reputable academic institution and squelch diverse viewpoints" pose a threat to free thought and speech, as reported by the Associated Press. The legal dispute began in May when Harvard sued the Department of Homeland Security after the agency withdrew its certification to host foreign students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. This revocation threatened to force the university's international students — who make up approximately 25 percent of its enrollment — to either transfer or risk becoming undocumented in the US. Harvard calls action retaliation, highlights impact on research funding Harvard's lawsuit argues that the Trump administration's decision is illegal retaliation after the university refused to comply with government demands to overhaul policies related to campus protests, admissions, and hiring practices. The administration also cut over $2.6 billion in federal research grants, ended contracts, and threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status, according to court filings. "Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard," the lawsuit states, emphasizing the critical role foreign students play in maintaining the university's global academic stature. Harvard President Alan Garber told the Associated Press that while the university has taken steps to address concerns such as anti-Semitism, it remains committed to protecting its core, legally protected principles even amid federal pressure. Broader implications for academic freedom and US education The case has quickly become a focal point in a broader debate over academic freedom and immigration policy in US higher education. Foreign students contribute significantly to research and innovation, and restrictions on their ability to study in the US could have lasting impacts on universities nationwide. President Trump has publicly criticized Harvard, accusing the institution of liberal bias and citing concerns about "large-scale improprieties." However, as reported by the Associated Press, Judge Burroughs' ruling underscores that attempts to use immigration policy as leverage against universities risk undermining constitutional rights and academic independence. The ongoing legal battle will continue to shape policies affecting thousands of international students and the future of elite US institutions like Harvard. For now, the judge's order ensures that foreign students can remain enrolled and study without interruption as the case unfolds. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
4 days ago
- Politics
Judge halts another Trump administration effort to block foreign students from attending Harvard
WASHINGTON -- A federal judge on Monday blocked another effort by the Trump administration to keep international students from attending Harvard University, saying officials' 'misplaced efforts to control a reputable academic institution' threatened freedom of speech. The order from U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs in Boston preserves the ability of foreign students to travel to the U.S. for study at Harvard while the case is decided. President Donald Trump has sought to cut off Harvard's enrollment of foreign students as part of a pressure campaign seeking changes to governance and policies at the Ivy League school. Administration officials also have cut more than $2.6 billion in research grants, ended federal contracts and threatened to revoke the tax-exempt status for the school Trump has derided as a hotbed of liberalism. Harvard sued the Department of Homeland Security in May after the agency withdrew the school's certification to host foreign students and issue paperwork for their visas. The action would have forced Harvard's roughly 7,000 foreign students to transfer or risk being in the U.S. illegally. The university called it illegal retaliation for rejecting the White House's demands to overhaul Harvard policies around campus protests, admissions, hiring and other issues. Burroughs temporarily had halted the action hours after Harvard sued and then granted an initial injunction Friday. The latest injunction came Monday in response to another move from Trump, who cited a different legal justification when he issued a June 4 proclamation blocking foreign students from entering the U.S. to attend Harvard. In her order, Burroughs said the case is about freedom of speech and freedom of thought. "Here, the government's misplaced efforts to control a reputable academic institution and squelch diverse viewpoints seemingly because they are, in some instances, opposed to this Administration's own views, threaten these rights," she wrote. Trump has been warring with Harvard for months after it rejected a series of government demands meant to address conservative complaints that the school has become too liberal and tolerated anti-Jewish harassment. On Friday, he said in a post on Truth Social that the administration has been working with Harvard to address 'their largescale improprieties' and that a deal with Harvard could be announced within the next week. 'They have acted extremely appropriately during these negotiations, and appear to be committed to doing what is right,' Trump's post said. Foreign students, who account for a quarter of Harvard's enrollment, were brought into the battle in April when Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanded Harvard turn over a trove of records related to any dangerous or illegal activity by foreign students. Harvard says it complied, but Noem said the response fell short and on May 22 revoked Harvard's certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The sanction immediately put Harvard at a disadvantage as it competed for the world's top students, the school said in its lawsuit. 'Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard,' the suit said. Harvard President Alan Garber previously said the university has made changes to combat antisemitism. But Harvard, he said, will not stray from its 'core, legally-protected principles,' even after receiving federal ultimatums. ___ standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Judge halts another Trump administration effort to block foreign students from attending Harvard
A federal judge on Monday (June 23, 2025) blocked another effort by the Trump administration to keep international students from attending Harvard University, granting a second preliminary injunction in the case. The order from U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs in Boston preserves the ability of foreign students to travel to the U.S. for study at Harvard while the case is decided. President Donald Trump has sought to cut off Harvard's enrollment of foreign students as part of a pressure campaign seeking changes to governance and policies at the Ivy League school. Administration officials also have cut more than $2.6 billion in research grants, ended federal contracts and threatened to revoke the tax-exempt status for the school Mr. Trump has derided as a hotbed of liberalism. Harvard sued the Department of Homeland Security in May after the agency withdrew the school's certification to host foreign students and issue paperwork for their visas. The action would have forced Harvard's roughly 7,000 foreign students to transfer or risk being in the U.S. illegally. The university called it illegal retaliation for rejecting the White House's demands to overhaul Harvard policies around campus protests, admissions, hiring and other issues. Burroughs temporarily had halted the action hours after Harvard sued and then granted the first injunction Friday (June 20, 2025). The second injunction came in response to another move from Mr. Trump, who cited a different legal justification when he issued a June 4 proclamation blocking foreign students from entering the U.S. to attend Harvard. Harvard challenged the move, and Burroughs again had issued a temporary restraining order. Mr. Trump has been warring with Harvard for months after it rejected a series of government demands meant to address conservative complaints that the school has become too liberal and tolerated anti-Jewish harassment. On Friday, he said in a post on Truth Social that the administration has been working with Harvard to address 'their largescale improprieties' and that a deal with Harvard could be announced within the next week. 'They have acted extremely appropriately during these negotiations, and appear to be committed to doing what is right,' Mr. Trump's post said. Foreign students, who account for a quarter of Harvard's enrollment, were brought into the battle in April when Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanded Harvard turn over a trove of records related to any dangerous or illegal activity by foreign students. Harvard says it complied, but Noem said the response fell short and on May 22 revoked Harvard's certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The sanction immediately put Harvard at a disadvantage as it competed for the world's top students, the school said in its lawsuit, and it harmed Harvard's reputation as a global research hub. 'Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard,' the suit said. Harvard president Alan Garber previously said the university has made changes to combat antisemitism. But Harvard, he said, will not stray from its 'core, legally-protected principles,' even after receiving federal ultimatums.
