A Victory in Court for International Students, July 14, 2020

Dear students, staff and faculty:

Less than a week ago, I wrote to you with the need for urgent advocacy in relation to the Trump Administration’s move to revoke the visa eligibility of international students who would be studying entirely remotely. Earlier today, in the face of widespread opposition and litigation from the higher education community, the White House rescinded its deeply misguided policy. This is a resounding victory for international students and for students and scholars around the world.

It is clear that the amicus brief, which Smith and some 60 other colleges and universities signed in support of the lawsuit brought by Harvard and MIT, helped make the case for stopping what the brief described as an “arbitrary and capricious government action” as well as “the immeasurable harm it is already causing to amici, their students, and their communities.” This win is important not only for our international students and scholars, but also for all members of our community because we are enriched by the diversity of experience and opinion the international community brings to our campus.

Sincerely,

Kathleen McCartney
President