U.S. ban on Harvard online program sparks backlash from African alumni
A recent move by the U.S. government to block international students from enrolling in Harvard University's new online program has drawn strong backlash from African alumni, especially Kenyans, who call the decision 'xenophobic,' 'myopic,' and a threat to global academic collaboration.
The U.S. government has been criticized for blocking international students from enrolling in Harvard's new online program
Critics argue that the policy undermines innovative education methods and disadvantages students from developing nations.
Harvard alumni in Africa and education advocates express concerns about the policy's effect on academic inclusivity and U.S. educational reputation.
The ban, outlined in a controversial U.S. government Homeland Security update in early May 2025, prevents institutions like Harvard from issuing I-20 forms for F-1 student visas tied to its online credential programs.
The policy, which affects hundreds of prospective students across Africa and other regions, has sparked outrage among Harvard graduates who see it as an attack on the future of inclusive education.
'It is a horrible, short-sighted move,' said Dr. Angela Nyong'o, a Nairobi-based Harvard alumna and education policy expert. ' Denying students access to world-class learning simply because the mode is digital is anti-progress. '
US Gov clashes with Harvard
The fallout began when Harvard's Extension School announced a new low-residency online master's program that would allow international students to complete most of their coursework remotely.
The program, which had drawn interest from students across Africa, was hailed as a breakthrough in inequitable access to elite education.
But the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, citing existing visa rules, declared that online-only or hybrid programs would not qualify for F-1 student visas a decision critics say contradicts the evolving nature of global education.
' This is 2025. Education isn't confined to buildings anymore, ' said Samuel Njoroge, a Harvard Kennedy School graduate who now works with the African Development Bank. ' Why are we punishing students for innovation?'
While U.S. immigration officials claim the decision is based on longstanding visa policy, education advocates argue that the timing reflects a broader trend of tightening access to international students.
They point to increasing scrutiny of African applicants, high visa rejection rates, and now this policy as part of a pattern that undermines global academic equity.
According to data from the Migration Policy Institute, Africans already face some of the highest U.S. visa denial rates globally. The new restriction could further widen the educational gap for students from developing nations.
' What's happening here is a silent exclusion, ' said Dr. Rose Mugo, an education consultant and Harvard alumna based in Mombasa. ' It's not just about a visa. It's about who gets to participate in shaping the future.'
Harvard itself has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter, though internal sources suggest the university is in talks with the U.S. government to find a resolution. Meanwhile, affected students remain in limbo many having already invested time, money, and hopes into the now-inaccessible program.
As of late May 2025, advocacy groups and alumni networks are ramping up pressure on both Harvard and the U.S. government to reverse the policy. They warn that if left unaddressed, the ban could damage America's educational reputation and undermine its soft power on the global stage.
' This isn't just a Harvard issue. It's a signal,' said Nyong'o. ' And right now, it's the wrong one.'
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