Lesson Overview:
This lesson uses Harvard President Alan Garber’s 2025 Commencement speech and the recent Trump administration measures to restrict international student admissions at Harvard as a springboard for critical analysis and creative reflection. Students will explore the meaning of diversity, academic freedom, and the real-world implications of government policies on global education.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will:
- Analyze the thematic elements of Alan Garber’s Commencement speech and connect them to current events.
- Interpret the phrase “Students from down the street, across the country, and around the world—just as it should be” in light of recent U.S. government actions.
- Critically discuss the importance of global unity, diversity, and academic freedom in education, especially when these values are challenged.
- Express their understanding through discussion, writing, and creative expression.
Lesson Activities
1. Video Analysis and Contextual Introduction
- Begin by watching the video of Alan Garber’s 2025 Commencement speech (YouTube link provided).
- Briefly summarize the main themes: inclusivity, diversity, and the value of a global student body.
- Introduce the current context: the Trump administration’s attempt to cap or ban international student admissions at Harvard, the legal battle that ensued, and the broader debate about academic freedom and national policy. BBC news, The New York Times,
2. Warm-Up Discussion
Pose the question:
“What does the phrase ‘Students from down the street, across the country, and around the world—just as it should be’ evoke for you, especially considering the recent attempts to restrict international student admissions at Harvard?”
Encourage students to share their initial thoughts, personal experiences, and associations with both the speech and the current policy debate.
3. Guided Analysis
- In small groups, students analyze key excerpts from Garber’s speech, focusing on his vision for a diverse and global academic community.
- Groups then research and summarize the Trump administration’s recent actions: revoking Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, proposed caps on foreign admissions, and the stated reasons behind these measures. CBS News
- Each group presents their findings, highlighting the tension between university values and government policy.
4. Critical Discussion
Facilitate a class discussion on the following questions:
- How do policies limiting international student admissions affect the ideals expressed in Garber’s speech?
- What are the broader implications for academic freedom, university autonomy, and global collaboration in higher education?
- How might such policies impact students from marginalized or minority backgrounds, including those who already feel vulnerable?
5. Essay and Creative Tasks
Essay Prompts (choose one):
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“In light of both Alan Garber’s speech and the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict international student admissions, what is the role of universities in promoting global unity and diversity? Should governments have the authority to limit who can study at private institutions like Harvard? Defend your position with evidence from the speech and current events.”
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“Reflect on how policies targeting international students might affect the campus climate, academic freedom, and the personal lives of students. What responsibilities do universities and governments have to balance national interests with global engagement?”
Creative Expression:
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Write a letter from the perspective of an international student at Harvard responding to the policy changes. How do these measures affect your sense of belonging, your academic journey, and your view of the U.S.?
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Create a visual or multimedia project (poster, short video, digital collage) illustrating the theme: “Global Unity in Education—Why It Matters Now.”
6. Extension Activities
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Research and present on other historical or contemporary cases where government policy has impacted university admissions, academic freedom, or international collaboration.