Harvard graduates are celebrating their commencement despite the challenges posed by the Trump administration’s attacks on the university. The Ivy League school has been a target of criticism over its admissions policies and international student enrollment, with the White House threatening to cut off federal funding if it doesn’t comply.
President Alan Garber addressed the concerns, saying Harvard is nonpartisan and has taken steps to root out antisemitism on campus. However, he acknowledged that the university’s global reach and diversity are essential to its identity. The graduates’ speeches emphasized the importance of standing up for truth and defending the values of veritas, which is Latin for “truth.”
Graduate Yurong “Luanna” Jiang spoke about growing up in a world where diversity was becoming increasingly threatened by divisive rhetoric. She urged her fellow graduates to resist such stereotypes and instead celebrate their differences.
The university has taken a strong stance against the administration’s allegations of antisemitic activism on campus, which Harvard sees as an affront to the freedom to teach and learn nationwide. The school has sued to block funding freezes and persuaded a federal judge to temporarily halt the ban on enrolling international students.
In response to the attacks, the graduates have come together to celebrate their resilience and commitment to upholding the values of veritas. Their speeches echoed the sentiments of Harvard President Alan Garber, who praised the university’s global reach and diversity as essential to its identity.
As the world grapples with rising nationalism and divisive rhetoric, Harvard graduates are sending a powerful message: that truth, diversity, and inclusivity are essential to creating a better future for all.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/harvard-graduation-trump-administration-679b6c5c1b9306aeaff4c175fabea76a