Trump's latest move on Harvard could have devastating impact on very popular program

Washington D.C.: Yesterday's (May 22) decision by the Donald Trump administration to revoke Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students could devastate its athletics program, which boasts the largest number of varsity teams in the nation.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the move on Thursday, citing concerns over campus safety and accusing Harvard of failing to protect Jewish students from antisemitism. The decision threatens the eligibility of nearly 200 international athletes—21% of Harvard’s rosters—forcing many to transfer or leave the U.S.

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The impact would be severe across multiple sports. Seven of the eight rowers on the men’s heavyweight crew team, fresh off an Eastern Sprints victory, list international hometowns. The men’s hockey team relies on Canadian players like Mick Thompson and Jack Bar, while the men’s squash team includes 10 international athletes out of 13. More than half of the women’s soccer and golf teams also hail from abroad.

Harvard condemned the decision as unlawful, with President Alan Garber—who is Jewish—vowing to fight the administration’s actions. “We will continue to combat hate while complying with the law,” he stated. However, the policy could displace up to 6,800 foreign students, over a quarter of Harvard’s enrollment.