The Biden administration has raised the stakes in its ongoing investigations into Harvard University, issuing formal subpoenas for records related to the school’s international student admissions processes. This development, as first reported by Yahoo News, underscores intensifying scrutiny of elite academic institutions by federal agencies and comes amid persistent disputes concerning foreign student presence on American campuses.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the subpoenas focus on Harvard’s handling of admissions and oversight for international students—who comprise roughly one-third of the school’s student body. The department aims to determine whether there have been abuses of student visa conditions. In a statement, a Harvard spokesperson characterized the move as "politically motivated" but affirmed the university’s commitment to legal compliance and cooperation with the investigations.

The pressure on Harvard is multi-pronged. In addition to the Department of Education’s actions, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has indicated plans to seek records regarding students' adherence to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), following what DHS officials describe as Harvard’s refusal to provide requested information voluntarily. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the necessity of subpoenas arose from a lack of cooperation. The administration’s broader messaging frames elite universities as centers of perceived ideological bias and growing incidents of campus antisemitism. (Reuters)

Simultaneously, Harvard is facing scrutiny from its accreditor, the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The Departments of Education and Health and Human Services have formally warned NECHE that Harvard may have violated federal antidiscrimination laws—specifically, for what the government alleges is a failure to adequately address antisemitic harassment on campus. Loss of accreditation status would threaten Harvard’s eligibility for federal financial aid, a critical support for many students. As reported by The Harvard Crimson, the administration argues that the university’s response to discrimination against Jewish and Israeli students may not meet NECHE's standards.

Harvard has strongly rejected allegations of noncompliance, asserting that it continues to respect federal regulations and law. University officials highlight ongoing efforts to address instances of discrimination and point to the due process of NECHE’s accreditation review system. NECHE clarified that a notice of a potential federal civil rights violation does not automatically trigger a loss of accreditation; the commission will independently assess the university’s adherence to its standards. (Higher Ed Dive)

This is not the first confrontation between federal authorities and Harvard; previous efforts have included suspension of federal research funding and attempts to challenge the university’s tax-exempt status. Harvard has countered with lawsuits contending these moves infringe on academic independence and constitutional rights. (Harvard Gazette)

The outcome of these escalating investigations could have far-reaching effects not only on Harvard’s immediate operations, but also for international students and the wider landscape of American higher education. As tensions mount, a hearing concerning federal funding threats is scheduled for July 21. University representatives say they remain committed to addressing antisemitism and upholding institutional standards, while federal officials insist that greater accountability is necessary. (Axios)

As events unfold, observers across the U.S. continue to watch closely for decisions that could set significant precedents governing the relationship between universities, international students, and federal regulation.