Harvard Sues Over International Student Ban; DEI Job Cuts Rise

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Key Updates

Harvard’s ongoing legal battle with the administration continues as President Alan Garber emphasizes the importance of education and truth. He stresses the need for institutions to reaffirm their dedication to national welfare. Following a temporary block by a judge, international students can remain at Harvard for now, as the university challenges the administration’s recent ban.

• 🎧 Harvard’s legal actions and Garber’s comments indicate a broader concern beyond just international students. Garber is unsure of the administration’s exact intentions but notes that some conservatives aim to transform higher education concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. He advocates for open dialogue on campus, with international students enriching this environment.
• ➡️ Examining the significance of international students at Harvard and throughout the U.S., including their origins.

Corporate America is pulling back from DEI initiatives. This marks a considerable change from the post-George Floyd era when companies prioritized diversity hiring. NPR explores the job reductions in this sector.

• 🎧 Over 2,600 DEI positions have been cut recently, according to NPR’s Maria Aspan on Up First. This represents more than 10% of such roles as of early 2023. Aspan interviewed Candace Byrdsong Williams, who lost her job last summer and has struggled to find new employment. She notes that Williams is just one of thousands affected by this shifting and politicized job landscape.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a new entity supported by the U.S. and Israel, begins limited food deliveries to Gaza, amid widespread hunger and skepticism from the UN and other aid organizations. Jake Wood, its executive director, resigned on Sunday, citing a conflict with principles of humanity, impartiality, and independence.

• 🎧 Instead of providing food directly to starving areas in Gaza, the foundation will operate in four new zones secured by Israeli soldiers, reports NPR’s Daniel Estrin. Families will receive weekly food boxes from private contractors. A U.S. company led by a former CIA officer is involved, but the source of funding remains undisclosed.

In-Depth Analysis

Years after their son left to join ISIS, a Minnesota couple discovered their grandsons were stranded in a Syrian camp. Among the estimated 22 U.S. citizens in these camps, including 17 children, two Minnesota boys were relocated to the U.S. in May 2024 to begin anew. Read the full report by NPR’s Sacha Pfeiffer.

Visual Stories

With autumn in full swing in South America, Santiago, Chile, offers ideal hiking weather. At its heart is Cerro San Cristóbal, boasting stunning views of the Andes. NPR’s Brian Mann documented his hike through volcanic rock and cactus groves. Discover images from his expedition and listen to his journey here.

Essential Insights

1. A study in Global Change Biology reveals that Anna’s Hummingbirds in the western U.S. have evolved longer, more tapered beaks to better utilize common backyard feeders.
2. In 2016, Tulika Prasad’s non-verbal, autistic son had an outburst in a grocery store. A stranger, also a parent of a child with autism, offered empathy and assistance instead of judgment.
3. Renowned documentarian Marcel Ophuls, known for his lengthy films like The Sorrow and The Pity, passed away at 97. His impactful storytelling captivated audiences worldwide.

This newsletter was edited by Majd Al-Waheidi.