Penn administrators expressed concern over the federal government’s decision to revoke Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students and reaffirmed their support for international students in a Friday email.
In the email sent to international students and scholars, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives Ezekiel Emanuel and Associate Vice Provost for Global Initiatives Amy Gadsden called the federal government’s revocation of Harvard’s ability to enroll international students “deeply concerning.” The message comes in the wake of a Department of Homeland Security announcement earlier this week that stripped Harvard of its certification to host international students due to an “unsafe campus environment that is hostile to Jewish students” with “pro-Hamas sympathies” and “racist” diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
“We want to reaffirm, clearly and unequivocally, the University of Pennsylvania’s deep commitment to our international community,” the email read. “You are essential to the intellectual vibrancy and global strength of our campus, and we value the contributions you make to every part of university life.”
The federal government’s May 22 decision affects about 6,800 international students — about 27% of Harvard’s student body — who now face the prospect of transferring to other institutions or risking the loss of their legal status in the United States.
A federal judge blocked the administration’s decision on Friday with a restraining order, temporarily stopping the decertification and enrollment restriction. The action followed a lawsuit filed earlier that day, where Harvard denounced the “immediate and devastating” order.
Currently, Penn is home to 9,143 international students and scholars. According to a press release from Penn Admissions, the Class of 2029 includes students from over 100 countries and all 50 states. Penn’s International Student and Scholar Services team also shared their message on Instagram, reinforcing the University’s stance.
Last week, Penn Global and International Student and Scholar Services hosted a legal panel webinar to discuss the impacts of recent immigration policies. The panelists provided legal advice to help international students navigate visa statuses and safety protocols.
The Daily Pennsylvanian previously reported that eight Penn affiliates had their visa revoked or immigration statuses terminated by the Department of State. On April 25, a University spokesperson told the DP that three of the seven Student and Exchange Visitor Information System accounts for Penn affiliates that had previously been terminated were restored. As of April 27, all seven SEVIS profiles had been restored and updated from “Terminated” to “Active.”
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