Dear GSD Alumni & Friends,

Most of you will have seen the headlines that last Thursday afternoon, May 22, the federal government revoked Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, one of a series of government actions in retaliation for the University’s refusal to submit to the federal government’s illegal assertion of control over our curriculum, our faculty, and our student body. In response, the University is suing the government and was granted a temporary restraining order to block this suspension. On Friday, May 23, President Garber sent an email to the University community and all alumni about this situation, followed by this update about the status of the temporary restraining order.

I join President Garber in condemning the government’s illegal action against our school, and in affirming the immense value our international students bring to the GSD community. The GSD is one of Harvard’s most international schools. Our international makeup goes back to the founding of the GSD. It is part of our DNA—our student body, our faculty, our staff, and the discipline and practice of design all thrive on this internationalism. The extraordinary breadth of experience and perspectives that the international members of our community provide is essential to who we are.

While the situation is evolving, we remain committed to supporting every member of our community. The Harvard International Office is working diligently to provide guidance and up-to-date information to our international students directly and through its website. Commencement 2025 will proceed as planned, with Class Day on Wednesday, May 28, and Commencement Ceremonies on Thursday, May 29. We look forward to celebrating our graduates and welcoming them as our newest members of the alumni community.

Thank you for your continued support of the GSD and our international community.

Yours sincerely,
Sarah

Sarah M. Whiting
Dean and Josep Lluís Sert Professor of Architecture
Harvard University Graduate School of Design