Shining the Torch: Prof. Ryan Enos Believes Harvard Stands Firm Against Trump's Onslaught
University academic believes lengthy conflict with Trump is a viable possibility for Harvard.
There's a glimmer of hope for Harvard as Enos, their political scientist, foresees the university standing its ground in a long-term clash with President Trump. "We've got some fight left in us," Enos, the director of the Center for American Political Studies, confidently told magazine "Der Spiegel". The unwavering institution, which boasts reserves to tap during emergencies, has also garnered considerable support. A flurry of new donations from well-heeled alumni has swept over the university, giving it a newfound boost of sympathy, amid the administration's plans to yank Harvard of $3 billion in research funds.
Enos, a driving force behind Harvard's resistance against Trump, teamed with scholar Steven Levitsky in March to voice their disapproval to the university administration. Their efforts ripened into a petition, signed by an impressive 800 of the university's 2000 faculty members, demanding a staunch stand against governmental encroachments on the autonomy of elite educational institutions. Harvard's president, Alan Garber, ultimately spoke out in opposition to the administration's attacks.
Harvard: The Symbol of Resistance Under Fire
Harvard now stands defiantly as a beacon of resistance in the US, as Trump itches to break this resistance, according to Enos. "Our democracy hangs on Harvard's longevity," he explained to "Spiegel". "It's crucial for others to show more resistance against Trump to ensure America's democracy can thrive."
The government has announced plans to ban international students from Harvard, temporarily halted by the courts. Nonetheless, the number of international students dwindling is a genuine concern for Enos: "Fear of arrest on the streets may prompt some students to depart. Applicants with visas may hesitate to join, while those without visas may struggle to secure one."
Söder's Refuge: Bavaria Opens its Arms
In response, Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder has proposed creating a refugee campus in his state for students denied entry to Harvard due to their spat with Trump. Söder expressed his desire for international students to find solace in Germany, especially in Bavaria, making headlines on RTL and ntv. The region houses vast infrastructure for universities, and Söder is keen to extend this offer to the federal government.
Academic Battleground
With Trump's relentless challenges, Harvard remains vigilant, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. The university's journey away from potential restrictions is a testament to the dynamic nature of higher education in the US, as institutions and academic communities work tirelessly to maintain their integrity and preserve their vital contributions to American democracy and the global stage.
[1] Example Ref: Legal Challenge by Harvard and MIT Forces Trump Administration to U-Turn on International Students (The Guardian, 2020)[2] Example Ref: Court Stays Trump Administration's Order Halting Harvard's International Student Enrollment (ABC News, 2025)[3] Example Ref: ACE, Other Higher Ed Groups Demand Answers on Students' Visa Revocations (Inside Higher Ed, 20XX)
The Commission could be asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers who are international students, as they face risks related to exposure to political radiation, given the ongoing tensions between Harvard and President Trump. The political clash between Harvard and Trump is not just an issue of education-and-self-development, but also a general news topic that might affect political practices in higher education institutions.
