Welcome back to “The Unify Brief,” where we track the latest developments shaping the nation. Here’s what you need to know this week.
Trump blocks Harvard from enrolling international students
On Thursday, May 22, the Trump administration revoked Harvard University’s authority to enroll international students, citing allegations of fostering an unsafe campus environment and having alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party. This decision affects nearly 6,800 international students, who now face the prospect of transferring to other institutions or leaving the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) justified the action by accusing Harvard of permitting “anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators” to assault Jewish students and of having ties with a Chinese paramilitary group as recently as 2024. Harvard has denied these allegations, labeling the revocation as unlawful and politically retaliatory. The university emphasized its commitment to legal principles and academic freedom, arguing that the move undermines its academic and research mission.
This action is part of a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on elite universities, particularly those believed to be dissenting against government policies. The administration had previously demanded that Harvard provide detailed records on foreign students involved in protests or activities deemed dangerous. The university resisted this request, citing concerns over student privacy and free expression.
In response to the revocation, Harvard filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the action infringes upon constitutional rights and could severely disrupt the lives of its international students. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration’s attempt to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students.
The situation has drawn criticism from free speech and academic groups, who compare the administration’s actions to authoritarian surveillance. Internationally, the decision has raised concerns about the U.S. becoming increasingly unwelcoming to international students, potentially harming its reputation in global education.
Local: Federal judge blocks Trump administration from barring foreign student enrollment at Harvard (The Denver Post)
National: Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling foreign students
(AP News)
What other college campuses have to say: Harvard Is Fighting Trump In Court, Again. Here’s What to Know (The Crimson)
EPA budget cuts and firings
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is preparing to eliminate all federal greenhouse gas emission limits for coal and gas-fired power plants, according to a draft plan confirmed by the agency on Saturday, May 24. The EPA argues that emissions from these plants comprise a small and declining share of global greenhouse gas emissions and therefore do not significantly impact climate change or public health.
Environmental groups and global organizations like the United Nations have previously identified fossil fuels as major contributors to climate change, responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emissions worldwide.
This move aligns with the Trump administration’s broader agenda to dismantle climate-related regulations and support fossil fuel industries. Recent legislative efforts include advancing a tax and spending bill that could eliminate green-energy subsidies and funding established under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
Since March, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has shut down several offices tasked with overseeing climate and air pollution regulations and has begun rolling back more than twenty existing rules and policies. These actions follow the Trump administration’s push for deep budget cuts and agency restructuring.
Once finalized, the EPA’s plan is expected to face legal challenges. If upheld, it could prevent future administrations from imposing limits on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, a key method previously used by Democratic leaders to address climate change. Experts also warn that the plan may pave the way for dismantling additional climate-related regulations.
Local: Trump administration axes EPA center that helps rural and tribal communities (Colorado Public Radio)
National: Documents Show E.P.A. Wants to Erase Greenhouse Gas Limits on Power Plants (The New York Times)
What other college campuses have to say: UCLA research programs hit by EPA cuts amid national changes to climate policy (Daily Bruin)
Trump’s “big beautiful bill” passed the House
On Thursday, May 22, the House of Representatives passed a major bill backed by President Trump called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” It gives tax cuts to people and businesses and makes Trump’s earlier tax cuts permanent. It also removes taxes on tips and overtime pay, raises the child tax credit and increases the amount people can deduct for state and local taxes.
The bill would also reduce federal spending by adding work requirements for food assistance and Medicaid, potentially making it more difficult for some individuals to access these programs. It cuts funding to Planned Parenthood and eliminates a $200 tax on gun silencers. Additionally, it includes funding for border wall construction, the hiring of more immigration agents and an increase in military spending. The bill also promotes expanded oil and gas drilling on public lands and introduces changes to the student loan system.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the legislation would add $3.8 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. Critics argue that it favors the wealthy while placing greater strain on low-income Americans. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain future and is expected to spark debate over its economic and social impact.
Local: Coloradans react to House passage of Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ policy bill (KDVR)
National: Trump’s big tax bill has passed the House. Here’s what’s inside it (AP News)
What other college campuses have to say: Proposed endowment tax could stifle financial aid, research funding (Yale Daily News)
Take Action:
- Get involved with organizations like Conservation Colorado that actively oppose regulatory rollback and promote climate-forward legislation.
- Learn more about Colorado Center on Law and Policy (CCLP), an organization dedicated to combating poverty and tracking how legislative changes impact Coloradans.
At DU:
- Attend the Climate Cafe on Wednesday, May 28, from 5-7 p.m. Register now on Crimson Connect.
- Engage in conversations with professors or other faculty members to learn more.
- Stay informed and up to date with news and developments surrounding these topics.
