Judge Blocks Trump Effort to Bar Harvard’s International Students as Protests Mark Commencement

A federal judge has prolonged a court injunction that prevents the Trump Administration from prohibiting Harvard from admitting international students. The attempt sparked protests at the university’s graduation ceremony. Many students and faculty members showed their support for Harvard’s international students, who make up around 16% of the 2025 class, by wearing white flowers or stickers with the message “Without our international students, Harvard is not Harvard” at the ceremony. Various speakers at the commencement events also voiced their backing and commended Harvard’s president, Alan Garber, for resisting pressure from the Administration.

Basketball player and social justice advocate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar praised Garber for standing up to the Administration’s attempts to curtail academic freedom and free speech. The clash between Harvard and President Donald Trump escalated, leading to threats of funding cuts and a ban on enrolling international students. The judge’s decision to block the Administration’s actions was criticized by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a press briefing.

Harvard has filed multiple legal challenges against the Administration’s moves, with Garber indicating that the university will not back down. At the commencement ceremony, Garber received a warm reception and applause for his stance. Student speakers emphasized the importance of defending Harvard’s values and history. In the keynote address, physician and author Abraham Vergese expressed support for Harvard’s international students and immigrants in the U.S.

Harvard Kennedy School graduate Yurong Jiang highlighted the university’s diversity, while other speakers praised Harvard’s leadership. The ongoing struggle between Harvard and the Administration was indirectly referenced by Garber during his speech.