As a first-generation college graduate, USF history professor Brian Connolly said education changed his life — but he now worries international students may be denied that same opportunity.

“One of the strengths of American higher education since the 1960s has been international students coming to these universities,” Connolly said. “Losing them would be a real loss.”

President Donald Trump’s administration tried to remove Harvard’s certification in the Student and Exchange Visitors Program on May 22. The move would bar Harvard from enrolling foreign students and force current ones to transfer to maintain their legal status.  

The attempt followed pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the university, which drew criticism over how the school protected Jewish students. It also stems from Harvard’s “failure” to disclose information about foreign students involved in protests.

Following the April 2024 pro-Palestinian protests at USF and the university’s listing in the Department of Education’s investigation for antisemitic discrimination, some professors are worried USF could face retaliatory actions similar to those at Harvard.

Related: USF professors alarmed by DOGE’s review of academic research 

A federal judge paused the action at Harvard after the university filed a lawsuit. This allowed the university to continue enrolling international students while the case moves forward, according to the Associated Press.

But Connolly said the “issue” at Harvard is part of a “larger assault” on the higher education system. He said there’s “good reason” to worry that something similar could happen at USF.  

The “least” USF could do is release a statement about the university’s commitment to protecting and securing international students and faculty, Connolly said.

“I don’t know that we’re going to get it, but I would like to see it because I can’t see how you can look at it and say, ‘Well, that’s just Harvard. That’s not going to happen to us,’” he said.

USF spokesperson Ryan Hughes told The Oracle there is “no indication” that the situation at Harvard would have an impact on USF. He also said the university continues to “fully cooperate” with the Department of Education’s reviews.

Daniel Ruth, a professor in the Judy Genshaft Honors College, published a column in the Tampa Bay Times last Wednesday, reflecting on his experience teaching international students. 

Ruth told The Oracle these students are “diligent and committed” to their studies. He said losing them would be a “tremendous loss” not just for universities but for society.

“They bring an awful lot to the classroom, and it’s just a tragedy if we turn our backs on these people,” Ruth said.

Ruth said “almost all” of the international students he teaches want to return to their countries after they graduate — a goal he believes Trump’s administration wants to “deny.”

“That’s what an education is supposed to instill in a student,” Ruth said. “When you get your degree and get into your chosen walk of life, you strive to make things better for people.”

Ruth said he is “sure” that if USF faced a situation similar to Harvard’s, the university would respond with “great vigor” to protect international students and the revenue they contribute.

USF has more than 5,000 international students, making up about 12% of the student body. For the 2024-25 academic year, out-of-state students pay $17,324 in tuition and fees compared to $6,410 for Florida residents.

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The situation at Harvard is part of a longer string of efforts affecting international student policies — and USF students have already begun to feel the effects.

This spring, over 1,200 international students at U.S. colleges lost their visas or legal status, though many later regained them. Some USF international students were among them. 

At the same time, USF’s University Police signed an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enroll officers in a federal program that authorizes local law enforcement to help enforce immigration laws.

More recently, the State Department paused new visa interview appointments for international students as it works to expand its review of applicants’ social media activity, according to AP.

Related: USF international students are among those losing visas

USF history professor Fraser Ottanelli said there is a “deafening silence” from USF’s administration. He said the university should publicly affirm its support for student expression.

“Why are they not saying this is what a university should be about?” he said. “A place where students are encouraged to express their views, encouraged to be engaged citizens, and ‘we will protect them and we will protect their right to do so?’ It’s as simple as that.”

Ottanelli said that, in remaining silent, USF is failing its “educational mission” to students, faculty and staff. 

“This is one of those moments in which we really have to put our money where our mouth is as individuals and as institutions,” Ottanelli said.