EDITORIAL: Trump Attacks Ivy League Schools

June 11, 2025

President Donald Trump's attacks on Harvard University and other Ivy League institutions have escalated, with a recent proclamation prohibiting international scholars from teaching at Harvard. Harvard responded that this action violates their First Amendment rights and pledged to protect international students. Trump's campaign against elite universities is characterized as threatening educational equity, intellectual freedom, and opportunities for minority and international students, despite Trump himself holding an Ivy League degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Who is affected

International scholars seeking to teach at Harvard
Harvard University and other Ivy League institutions
Minority and immigrant students
International students
Underrepresented populations seeking educational access
Students from disadvantaged backgrounds

What action is being taken

Trump is issuing proclamations prohibiting international scholars from teaching at Harvard
Harvard is responding with statements against Trump's actions
Harvard is continuing to protect its international students
The Washington Informer (implied by publisher mention) is publishing articles to inform the community about these issues

Why it matters

Trump's attacks are described as undemocratic and a threat to educational equity
Elite institutions have historically expanded educational access for underrepresented populations
The attacks undermine public trust in higher education
The actions delegitimize achievements of minority and immigrant students
Decades of progress in racial and educational justice are at risk
Access to academic excellence is becoming politicized
The situation may extend to targeting other institutions like HBCUs

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer