Three universities support Harvard in lawsuit to protect international student enrollment

The University of Pennsylvania, Bryn Mawr College, and Swarthmore College recently joined forces to support Harvard University in a federal lawsuit. This lawsuit was initiated following attempts by the Trump administration to prevent international students from enrolling in American universities. The trio of colleges signed an amicus brief filed by the American Council on Education to show their solidarity with Harvard. The primary argument presented in the brief, filed on January 20, is that the actions taken against Harvard by the administration could set a dangerous precedent that threatens the future of higher education in the United States. The brief suggests that allowing the federal government to penalize a university based on ideological differences would lead to a monopoly of dogma, thus stifling the marketplace of ideas.

In separate statements to WHYY News, both Bryn Mawr and Swarthmore reiterated their strong support for Harvard’s cause. Charity Alinda, the director of international student advising at Bryn Mawr, emphasized the immense value that international students bring to the campus community. She stated that assisting students who have chosen the U.S. for their academic pursuits is a priority for Bryn Mawr. Alinda highlighted the benefits of collaborative efforts with other institutions in supporting and facilitating the academic journeys of international students.

Similarly, Alisa Giardinelli, the vice president of communications at Swarthmore, underscored the institution’s commitment to engaging with diverse perspectives, characterizing it as an integral part of their mission. Giardinelli emphasized the enriching presence of international students on their campus and how their diverse experiences and worldviews contribute to a richer educational experience for all students. She described how these students deepen the understanding of complex global challenges and enhance learning opportunities, which align with Swarthmore’s goal of preparing graduates to navigate and lead in an interconnected world.

On the other hand, the University of Pennsylvania chose not to comment on the ongoing litigation between Harvard and the Trump administration. The conflict began in May 2025 when the Department of Homeland Security revoked Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, thereby preventing the enrollment of international students. This action led to international students already studying at Harvard being given the ultimatum of transferring elsewhere or risking losing their legal status. The DHS justified its decision by claiming that the university endorsed conduct that was considered “anti-American” and “pro-terrorist.”

Shortly after this development, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction that allowed Harvard to continue enrolling international students. In response to this, President Trump issued a proclamation that prohibited individuals with nonimmigrant visas from studying at Harvard for a period of six months. However, U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs later blocked this proclamation through another preliminary injunction, which the Trump administration appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. The amicus brief submitted by the American Council on Education urges the court to support the preliminary injunction and maintain the status quo. The objective is to safeguard the rights of international students and protect the diversity and richness they bring to the American higher education landscape.