Hundreds of Harvard students and faculty rallied on campus Thursday, decrying former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats to strip the university’s tax-exempt status and limit its ability to host international students. The protest, fueled by TikTok-organized meetups and chants of “Education, Not Exclusion!”, spotlighted growing tensions over academic freedom and global collaboration. 🚨
Why the Backlash?
Trump’s proposed policies, criticized as “divisive” by protest leaders, could impact Harvard’s 6,000+ international students and research funding. “This isn’t just about taxes—it’s about silencing ideas,” said a senior majoring in global affairs, who noted 40% of their classmates hail from outside the U.S.
Faculty Speak Out
Professors joined the demonstration, warning that such moves could “throttle innovation” at one of the world’s top research hubs. A physics department member told crowds: “Science has no borders. Neither should universities.” 🔬🌍
Organizers say the protest is part of broader youth-led movements defending multicultural education. With debates heating up ahead of U.S. elections, all eyes are on how Gen Z will shape policy fights. 💥
