Harvard hearing set for May 29 as Trump taints varsity’s allure

For students around the world, an acceptance letter to Harvard University has represented the pinnacle of achievement, offering a spot among the elite at a campus that produces Nobel Prize winners, captains of industry and global leaders.

That allure is now in jeopardy. In its intensifying fight with the White House, Harvard was dealt its heaviest blow yet on Thursday, when the government blocked the Ivy League school from enrolling foreign students. The move threatens to undermine Harvard’s stature, revenue and appeal among top scholars globally.

A federal judge on Friday blocked the administration’s decision as the lawsuit plays out, but the order is only temporary.

The temporary restricting order went into effect immediately and is likely to last until a hearing in the case. The judge has scheduled a May 27 status hearing and a May 29 hearing on whether to issue a preliminary injunction. Harvard would need to file for a preliminary injunction to prevent the DHS’ directive from going into effect after the order expires.

Under the terms of the order, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is barred from enforcing the move to strip Harvard of its SEVP status — and Harvard is no longer obligated to turn over documents requested by the DHS before a Sunday deadline.