The University of Toronto may host Harvard Kennedy School students facing U.S. visa bans under Trump-era crackdowns, offering a Canadian academic lifeline.
Toronto Steps Up Amid U.S. Education Crisis
The University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy is preparing to offer international students from Harvard Kennedy School an academic alternative in Canada. The move comes in response to escalating visa restrictions and political pressure faced by Harvard under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
Academic Continuity Across Borders
Announced on June 26, the agreement would allow returning international graduate students to temporarily enroll at the Munk School as full-time, non-degree students. Courses would be delivered by a combination of Harvard Kennedy School and U of T instructors, both online and in-person, ensuring students can complete their Harvard degrees from Canadian soil.
Why Canada Became a Safe Option
The offer follows Trump’s controversial crackdown on Harvard, which has included revoking visa-certification status, slashing federal funding, and threatening the university’s tax-exempt status. Harvard, in turn, sued the Department of Homeland Security in May, calling the actions retaliatory and illegal.
Legal Pushback and Presidential Posturing
A federal judge in Boston recently issued an injunction preserving Harvard’s ability to enroll international students while legal proceedings continue. In her order, Judge Allison Burroughs criticized the administration’s efforts as attacks on freedom of thought and academic autonomy. Trump, meanwhile, hinted at a potential resolution via Truth Social, praising Harvard’s conduct in negotiations.
Students Face Urgent Decisions
The contingency plan from U of T is not automatic. The Munk School emphasized that the program will only launch if there is sufficient demand. Students have been advised to apply for a Canadian study permit by mid-July to prepare for a possible relocation. International students currently make up nearly 60% of the Kennedy School’s population.
Broader Implications Still Unclear
While the plan offers a lifeline for Kennedy School students, it’s unclear if similar arrangements are being pursued for other faculties at Harvard. University leadership has assured students that additional plans are in development, though most remain in early stages and require approval from the New England Commission of Higher Education.
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