July 23 (UPI) – The State Department is investigating whether Harvard has undermined U.S. policy through educational and cultural exchanges, which has enabled international students, professors and others to obtain visas.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that the purpose of the investigation is to determine whether Harvard officials undermine national security and foreign policy by participating in the exchange of visitors program.
“All sponsors participating in the program must fully comply with the communication visitor regulations, transparency of reports, and commitment to the principles of promoting cultural exchange and the mutual understanding established by the program,” Rubio said in a prepared statement.
Harvard “must comply with all regulations… in a way that does not undermine foreign policy objectives or harms the interests of the U.S. national security.”
“The American people have the right to expect their colleges to maintain national security, comply with the law, and provide a safe environment for all students.”
He said the investigation will ensure that universities participate in the State Department program “violate the interests of our country.”
The Trump administration revoked Harvard’s qualification to participate in the exchange visitor program in May.
U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs of Massachusetts overturned the revocation of Harvard’s program.
Rubio informed Harvard President Dr. Alan Garber on Wednesday but did not accuse university officials of any misconduct in the matter.
He provided Harvard with relevant university records for the week and said the department will interview university staff and may participate in students participating in the exchange program.
The Department of Homeland Security also summoned Harvard in July to obtain information on university plans to participate.
According to a statement shared with United Press International, the State Department investigation will not affect Harvard’s sponsorship and enrollment rates for students, professors and researchers.
“This investigation is another retaliatory step taken by the government to violate Harvard’s First Amendment rights,” a Harvard spokesman said.
“Harvard continues to attend and sponsor international scholars, researchers and students and will protect its international community and support them when applying for a U.S. visa and traveling to campus this fall.”
