University of Tokyo to accept displaced Harvard students: Asahi

University of Tokyo to accept displaced Harvard students: Asahi

In a significant development, the University of Tokyo has announced its intention to accept displaced international students from Harvard University, following the Trump administration's move to block Harvard from enrolling foreign students. This decision comes as a response to the ongoing legal battle between the U.S. government and Harvard, which has been ongoing since the administration's attempt to revoke Harvard's SEVP certification.

The University of Tokyo's decision to accept Harvard students is a direct response to the recent legal victory for Harvard. A U.S. district judge, Allison Burroughs, suspended the Trump administration's move to block Harvard from enrolling international students, citing the action as unconstitutional. This injunction was granted on Saturday, May 21, 2025, and will be reviewed in a hearing on May 29, 2025 [2].

The University of Tokyo's move is seen as a gesture of support for Harvard's academic community, which includes over 140 countries' students and scholars. The decision also highlights the University of Tokyo's commitment to international education and academic freedom. The university's spokesperson stated, "We are pleased to offer a temporary home to Harvard's displaced students. This is a testament to our shared values of academic excellence and global cooperation."

Harvard University, which has produced 162 Nobel prize winners, has been a target of the Trump administration's efforts to exert control over its admissions and hiring policies. The administration has accused Harvard of fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus. However, Harvard maintains that these accusations are unfounded and that the administration's actions are retaliatory [1].

The University of Tokyo's decision to accept Harvard students is expected to have a significant financial impact. Harvard charges tens of thousands of dollars a year in tuition, and the loss of these students could prove costly. However, the university's spokesperson stated that they are committed to maintaining the academic mission and providing support to their international students.

The move also has implications for the broader higher education landscape. Harvard's lawsuit against the U.S. government has raised questions about the extent to which the government can interfere with universities' academic freedom and autonomy. The University of Tokyo's decision to accept displaced students may set a precedent for other universities to follow.

In conclusion, the University of Tokyo's decision to accept displaced Harvard students is a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between Harvard and the Trump administration. This move highlights the university's commitment to international education and academic freedom, while also raising important questions about the role of the government in higher education.

References:
[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/harvard-university-foreign-students-trump/
[2] https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/judge-blocks-donald-trumps-move-to-bar-foreign-students-at-harvard-university/P5XSG7W24ZCWZEBEAIYXU5KGSE/