4 weeks ago
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PULSE POINTS:
❓What Happened: A federal judge extended a temporary order blocking the Trump administration’s revocation of Harvard University’s ability to enroll foreign students.
👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs, President Donald J. Trump, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, Harvard University, and foreign students.
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📍 Where & When: Massachusetts federal court; extension announced Thursday, May 29, coinciding with Harvard’s 347th graduation ceremony.
💬 Key Quote: “Harvard’s refusal to comply with SEVP oversight was the latest evidence that it disdains the American people and takes for granted U.S. taxpayer benefits,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated.
⚠️ Impact: If the revocation proceeds, foreign students at Harvard—roughly one-fourth of its student body—could lose their ability to stay in the U.S. unless they transfer schools.
IN FULL:
A Massachusetts federal judge on Thursday extended a temporary order preventing the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University‘s ability to enroll foreign students. The decision follows the administration’s move last week to block Harvard from participating in the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which allows the institution to import foreign students.
U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs said the temporary order will remain in place until it is replaced by a preliminary injunction, though no timeline for the injunction was discussed. The extension was issued on the same day as Harvard’s 347th graduation ceremony.
Previously, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had given the university 30 days to contest the revocation. According to a letter filed in court, Harvard must submit evidence, including misconduct records of foreign students and proof that it maintains a campus free from violence and anti-Semitism.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, sharing the letter on X (formerly Twitter), criticized Harvard, stating, “Harvard’s refusal to comply with SEVP oversight was the latest evidence that it disdains the American people and takes for granted U.S. taxpayer benefits.” She added, “We continue to reject Harvard’s repeated pattern of endangering its students and spreading American hate—it must change its ways in order to participate in American programs.”
If the Trump administration’s action is upheld, foreign students, who make up approximately 27 percent of Harvard’s student body, would lose their ability to remain in the United States unless they transfer to other institutions. Additionally, losing the ability to enroll foreign students will likely cost Harvard millions in revenue.
The revocation of Harvard’s SEVP certification is just the latest step in President Trump’s actions against the university after the Ivy League institution refused to comply with federal directives aimed at cracking down on anti-Semitic acts and protests on campus, and stopping racial discrimination against white and Asian applicants. Last month, the Trump administration revoked over $2 billion in research grants, prompting the university to sue.
President Trump recently indicated on Truth Social that he is considering reallocating $3 billion in Harvard’s grant money to trade schools.
This is a developing story…
PULSE POINTS:
❓What Happened: A recent study reveals a 13 percent reduction in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) jobs in the U.S., with 2,600 positions eliminated.
👥 Who’s Involved: Revelio Labs conducted the analysis; President Donald J. Trump and his Department of Justice (DOJ) are pushing back against DEI practices.
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📍 Where & When: The data covers the growth and now accelerating decline of DEI jobs since 2016.
💬 Key Quote: “I’m hopeful and encouraged that Harmeet will drop the hammer on these companies,” says Will Hild, Executive Director of Consumers’ Research, referring to Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general for the civil rights division at the DOJ.
⚠️ Impact: While DEI job numbers remain above 2016 levels, they are rapidly falling from their peak. This suggests that Trump’s White House efforts to crack down on discriminatory DEI policies are working and reversing the course of corporate policies.
IN FULL:
A new analysis by Revelio Labs reveals a significant decline in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles across the United States, with 2,600 positions eliminated since 2023. This marks a 13 percent reduction, bringing the total number of DEI-related jobs to approximately 17,700 as of January 2025, down from a peak of 20,000 in 2023.
The report highlights a dramatic shift from the rapid growth seen in recent years. Job postings for DEI roles surged by 595 percent in August 2022 compared to 2020. Positions tied to terms like “belonging,” “social impact,” or “culture” are also reportedly in decline.
This comes as major corporations scale back DEI programs and reduce financial support for Pride events, following a crackdown on what the Trump administration has termed illegal DEI practices. President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order in January 2025 aimed at eliminating identity-based employment considerations and restoring merit-based opportunities. Among the corporations to comply, at least in part, are Target, Deloitte, Lockheed Martin, and Verizon.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to release further guidance soon, including recommendations for the private sector and a list of ongoing compliance investigations. Additionally, the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, led by Harmeet Dhillon, has named investigating race-based employment discrimination as a top priority.
Observers have raised concerns about the potential rebranding of DEI roles within corporate structures. Will Hild, Executive Director of Consumers’ Research, warns, “If they just relabel DEI to be some department of HR, it’s not going to do any good.” Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that the human resources sector employed 922,000 people in 2024, up from 631,000 in 2016.
The analysis also revealed demographic trends within the DEI workforce. Women comprised more than 71 percent of DEI professionals from 2020 to 2024, compared to 51 percent in other roles. Additionally, Black and Hispanic workers accounted for 33 percent of DEI positions, compared to 21 percent of other roles. “That’s a tacit admission that they were engaging in race- and sex-based discrimination,” Hild commented, adding: “I’m hopeful and encouraged that Harmeet will drop the hammer on these companies.”
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