Foreign Minister Baer expresses disapproval toward Harvard's decision to restrict foreign students' admission, labeling it as "poor choice" or "regrettable action". - Foreign Minister Bär criticizes Harvard's decision to bar international students: "poor choice"
Germany's Education Minister Dorothee Bär Criticizes Harvard Ban on Foreign Students
Germany's Federal Minister of Education and Research, Dorothee Bär, has expressed concern and disappointment over the U.S. government's decision to bar Harvard University from accepting foreign students.
In a statement made on Bayern 2 radio, Bär described the decision as highly distressing and not a positive signal for the young generation or the free world. She further emphasized that the situation at Harvard is dramatic and warrants special responsibility for Germany and the EU.
"We must protect academic freedom, because it may not be guaranteed everywhere," Bär said, stating her intention to discuss the matter during a meeting with her EU colleagues in Brussels on Friday. The focus of the discussion will be expanding Europe's 'excellence strategy,' which may include a 'European strategy.'
Speaking in Brussels, Bär declared her ambition for Europe to become the top research location globally. She stressed the need for Europe to be a safe haven and a safe continent. Despite the recent developments, Bär remains hopeful that the United States will uphold its reputation as the Land of the Free.
In the wake of the ban, Bär noted an increase in inquiries from foreign academics and students wishing to study in Germany. "We are receiving support not only from the USA but also from countries like China and India, which would typically have gone to the United States," Bär said on Bayern 2.
The U.S. government's action against Harvard University follows the termination of the institution's SEVP certification, which had previously allowed it to enroll foreign students. The move was justified by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who cited Harvard's allegedly uncooperative attitude in creating a safe environment for Jewish students and the 'racist' guidelines of the university's office for diversity and inclusion.
Harvard characterized the U.S. government's action as illegal and a retaliatory measure, stressing the need to maintain the opportunity to accept international students and scholars who enrich the university and the country immeasurably.
Dorothee BärEuropean UnionChristian Social Union (CSU)Brussels, BelgiumHarvard UniversityHarvardUnited States of AmericaBavaria, GermanyEuropeGermany
- Dorothee Bär, a member of the European Parliament and Germany's Federal Minister of Education and Research, has expressed her intentions to discuss the Harvard ban on foreign students during a meeting with her EU colleagues in Brussels, Belgium.
- Bär aims to protect academic freedom, emphasizing its importance in the context of war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation, as it may not be guaranteed everywhere.
- Bär's ambition for Europe is to become the top research location globally, making it a safe haven and a safe continent for lifelong-learning and general-news.
- As a result of the ban, there has been an increase in inquiries from foreign academics and students wishing to study in Germany, showing support not only from the USA but also from countries like China and India.
- The European Parliament, aware of the developments, may expand Europe's 'excellence strategy' to include a potential 'European strategy,' focusing on education-and-self-development, online-education, and politics, to counteract the impact of the ban.
