Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost, But Harvard Students Were About To Be!

A Shadow Falls Upon Cambridge

Hoom! News has reached even my ancient ears carried on the west wind. It seems a shadow has fallen upon the hallowed halls of Harvard darker than the eaves of Mirkwood. President Trump and his administration in a move as subtle as a Balrog's arrival sought to banish international students from this esteemed institution. One might say 'Fly you fools!'... but where to without their studies?

The Ban ishment of the Scholars

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acting at the behest of Secretary Noem accused Harvard of tolerating 'anti American pro terrorist agitators.' A grave accusation indeed! It reminds me of Saruman's whispers poisoning Théoden's mind. They revoked Harvard's ability to enroll foreign students under the F 1 visa program. Imagine thousands of bright minds scattered like leaves before the wind. Even Princess Elisabeth a future Queen found herself caught in this political tempest.

A Judge's Intervention: 'You Shall Not Pass... This Ban!'

But fear not! For Justice like a wise old wizard intervened. Judge Allison Burroughs with the wisdom of Elrond himself issued a temporary restraining order. 'A TRO is justified to preserve the status quo,' she declared. The international students for now are safe within Harvard's walls. Like the breaking of the siege of Gondor there is yet hope.

The First Amendment: Not Just A Piece Of Paper

Harvard rightly has risen to the challenge filing a lawsuit that calls the revocation a 'blatant violation of the First Amendment.' Indeed it seems the administration's actions are less about national security and more about controlling Harvard's 'ideology.' As I always say 'All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.' And Harvard has decided to fight for its principles.

The Price of Freedom: Billions on the Line

Ah but here's where the story thickens. The administration it seems has conditioned federal benefits—billions of dollars worth—on Harvard 'accepting sweeping changes' to its governance. When Harvard refused the government froze over $2.2 billion in funding. It is a dark day when universities have to barter the pursuit of academic excellence for political goodwill.

Hope Remains: 'End? No the journey doesn't end here.'

President Garber in his letter reassured the international students 'Know that you are vital members of our community.' And so they are. For what is a university without the exchange of ideas the mingling of cultures? This battle is far from over but for now the light of learning still shines brightly at Harvard. May wisdom guide them and may they remember: 'It is not our part to master all the tides of the world but to do what is in us for the succour of those years wherein we are set uprooting the evil in the fields that we know so that those who live after may have clean earth to till.'