Dear Howard University Community,

Last week, the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) announced modifications to temporary exemptions enacted during the Spring of 2020 for F1 students taking courses online while remaining in the US due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those proposed modifications would have had a profoundly negative impact on our international student population. 

We are pleased to update that earlier today, SEVP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has rescinded a rule that would have required international students to transfer schools or leave the country if their colleges hold classes entirely online this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Office of International Students has worked closely with University officials, legal experts in the School of Law, colleagues at other institutions, and various governmental agencies to help address the concerns expressed by our students, and other international students throughout the country.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced the decision as a court hearing was getting underway on a challenge to the rule by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Additional lawsuits were filed by various states and jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia.  We are grateful for the support provided by colleagues at Howard University School of Law, and other institutions who were preparing Amicus Briefs to support the legal challenge and advise the court of pertinent, additional information or considerations that they may wish to take into consideration.

The Office of International Students will continue to advocate for our students and assure that every Howard University student receives an educational experience of exceptional quality, and framed in the social justice mission of the University. We will update our students with a subsequent communication related to this matter, as necessary. Thank you for your continued support and patience as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together as a University community.

Excellence in Truth and Service,

Office of International Students