Harvard Graduates Prepare for Challenges Ahead Amid Political Turmoil
Cambridge, Mass. (AP) — Harvard University celebrated its commencement on Thursday, marking a pivotal moment in the institution’s ongoing tensions with the Trump administration. Graduates were reminded of the challenges they faced during their academic journey, including a pandemic and student protests surrounding geopolitical issues like the Gaza conflict.
Thor Reimann, a student speaker, emphasized the transformation of Harvard into a battleground for higher education principles, proclaiming that the school stood as a “bulwark” against administration attacks on diversity and academic freedom. As federal funding threats loomed, including a request to cut federal contracts worth $100 million, Harvard’s leaders have maintained a defiant stance. The university successfully blocked a ban on international student enrollments during a federal court hearing, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a diverse student body.
Keynote speakers, including bestselling author Dr. Abraham Verghese, praised Harvard’s resilience, while graduate Brynn Macaulay expressed concern for international peers, calling for unity against division. The message resonated strongly among graduates, many of whom see their global connections as integral to Harvard’s identity, amidst fears that political pressures could threaten the university’s core values.
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