Not All Who Wander Are Lost, But Harvard Students Almost Were: A Gandalfian Perspective

A Shadow Falls Upon Harvard

Hark my friends! A dark cloud has gathered over the hallowed halls of Harvard as troubling as the shadow of Mordor upon the Shire! News has reached me borne upon the swift wings of the internet of a most peculiar and distressing situation. It seems the Trump administration in its infinite wisdom (or lack thereof one might argue) sought to bar international students from attending that venerable institution. 'Fly you fools!' I almost cried imagining the chaos and despair this would cause.

The Ban Hammer Drops (and is Quickly Picked Up)

Apparently this ban delivered with the subtlety of a Balrog's fiery whip stemmed from accusations that Harvard harbored 'anti American pro terrorist agitators.' One might as well accuse hobbits of hoarding all the second breakfast ingredients! Such pronouncements ring hollow like the words of a certain serpent in the Garden of Eden... or perhaps a certain politician during a debate. The Department of Homeland Security wielding its bureaucratic sword revoked Harvard's ability to enroll foreign students threatening the very foundation of its international community.

Judge Burroughs A Beacon of Hope

But fear not! For just as hope remains even when darkness seems impenetrable so too did justice prevail. Judge Allison Burroughs a name that shall echo in the annals of legal history (at least until the next ridiculous lawsuit) stepped forth and issued a temporary restraining order. 'You shall not pass!' she effectively declared to the administration's overreach. This wise arbiter recognized the 'immediate and irreparable injury' that Harvard would suffer proving that even in these modern times reason can still triumph over madness.

Princess Elisabeth and the Fate of Kingdoms

Imagine if you will the plight of Princess Elisabeth future queen of Belgium caught in this tempest! One can only hope she possesses the wisdom of Galadriel and the courage of Éowyn for navigating such political storms requires a steady hand. To think a future monarch might have been denied the opportunity to pursue her studies – it's enough to make even a wizard's beard bristle with indignation! It would have certainly added fuel to the fire of the already tense relationship between the US and the European Union.

First Amendment Foibles and Funding Follies

The lawsuit filed by Harvard speaks of 'blatant violation of the First Amendment,' a concept as sacred as the One Ring is dangerous. It appears the Trump administration sought to control Harvard's governance curriculum and even the 'ideology' of its faculty and students! Such meddling is akin to Sauron attempting to dictate the songs of the elves – utterly absurd and destined to fail. Moreover the government froze over $2.2 billion in federal funding a sum that could make even a dragon blush. One does not simply walk into Mordor and tamper with university funding!

A Wizard's Final Word

So let us raise our staves (or perhaps our coffee mugs) to Judge Burroughs and to Harvard for standing firm against this unwarranted assault. As President Garber wisely stated 'Without its international students Harvard is not Harvard.' Indeed diversity is the spice of life the mithril that strengthens our world. Let us hope that this temporary reprieve becomes a permanent victory ensuring that Harvard remains a beacon of knowledge and understanding for all regardless of their origin. For as I always say 'All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.'