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Harvard Sues Trump Admin. Over Foreign Student Ban

PaWikiCom, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration over its decision to terminate the university’s student visa program. 

Harvard said the policy will affect more than 7,000 visa holders and is a “blatant violation of the First Amendment, the Due Process Clause, and the Administrative Procedure Act,” per its court filing.

On Thursday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem ordered Harvard to be taken off the Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification. The order effectively bans Harvard from enrolling international students and forces current ones, who make up roughly a quarter of the school’s student population, to transfer. 

DHS moved to terminate the program after Harvard allegedly failed to provide it with the extensive behavioral records of student visa holders the department requested. DHS offered Harvard 72 hours on Thursday to come into compliance with the request. 

As of now, Harvard may no longer enroll foreign students in the 2025–2026 school year, and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status to reside in the U.S. before the next academic year begins. International students made up 27 percent of Harvard’s student body in the 2024-2025 academic year. 

The records requested include any footage of protest activity involving students on visas and the disciplinary records of all students on visas in the last five years. 

Requested records also include footage or documentation of illegal, dangerous or violent activity by student visa holders, any records of threats or the deprivation of rights of other students or university personnel.

Harvard President Alan Gerber announced the suit in a letter to the Harvard community.

“Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard,” the complaint reads. 

The administration has launched a multi-front pressure campaign against the school for refusing to bow to its demands for changes to its admissions and hiring policies, as well as getting rid of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and a stronger stance against antisemitism.  

Last month, the school sued the administration for freezing more than $2 billion in federal funding unless it complies with various demands. 

Trump Signs Executive Order Dismantling Dept. of Education

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President Trump signed an executive order Thursday seeking to facilitate his longstanding goal of eliminating the Department of Education.

While the order recognizes it would take an act of Congress to completely shutter the department, Trump directed Education Secretary Linda McMahon to do all she can to achieve its end.  

“Today, we take a very historic action that was 45 years in the making,” he said at a signing ceremony at the East Room of the White House that included multiple school-age children sitting at classroom desks. “I will sign an executive order to begin eliminating the federal Department of Education.” 

“The department’s useful functions […] will be preserved, fully preserved,” Trump added, referring to Pell Grants, Title I funding and programs for students with disabilities. “They’re going to be preserved in full and redistributed to various other agencies and departments.” 

“But beyond these core necessities, my administration will take all lawful steps to shut down the department. We’re going to shut it down and shut it down as quickly as possible,” he added at the ceremony, which was attended by Republican lawmakers and governors including Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C.), Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The White House said earlier Thursday the Education Department will still keep its critical functions that are mandated by Congress.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

Mike Pence Joins George Mason University’s Schar School as Distinguished Professor

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Mike Pence via Gage Skidmore Flickr

Former Vice President Mike Pence, a longtime champion of conservative principles and constitutional government, is taking on a new role in public service—this time in the classroom. Beginning in the spring semester, Pence will serve as a Distinguished Professor of Practice at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government in northern Virginia.

The university announced that Pence will teach undergraduate courses and host public-facing seminars, offering students direct insight from someone who has been at the highest levels of government. He will also participate in mentorship programs and moderated discussions with students pursuing careers in political science, law, and public administration.


A Voice of Conservative Principles and Constitutional Fidelity

Schar School Dean Mark Rozell praised Pence’s commitment to principle, noting that the former vice president brings a “disciplined approach to communication and a deeply rooted conservative philosophy” that will enrich discussions on federalism, the separation of powers, and the role of values in public life.

In his statement, Pence underscored his passion for preparing the next generation of leaders, saying:

“Throughout my years of public service, I have seen firsthand the importance of principled leadership and fidelity to the Constitution in shaping the future of our nation. I look forward to sharing these lessons with the next generation of American leaders and learning from the remarkable students and faculty of George Mason University.”


From Congress to the White House—and Beyond

Before serving as vice president under President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021, Pence represented Indiana in Congress and later served as Governor of Indiana, where he advanced pro-growth economic policies and defended conservative values. As vice president, Pence was widely respected for his loyalty, discipline, and steady leadership throughout the administration’s first term.

Despite intense pressure on January 6, 2021, Pence upheld his constitutional duty to oversee the certification of the Electoral College vote—a decision rooted in his firm belief in the rule of law and the limits of executive power. Although this choice drew criticism from some, it underscored his unwavering commitment to the Constitution.


Continuing to Shape the Conservative Conversation

In 2023, Pence briefly sought the Republican nomination for president, offering voters a vision rooted in traditional conservatism and warning against the growing influence of populism within the party. Though his campaign ended early, it reflected his enduring belief in limited government, personal responsibility, and strong national defense.

Now 66, Pence’s next chapter allows him to invest his decades of experience in America’s future leaders—encouraging them to lead with principle, conviction, and respect for our founding ideals.