Standing ovation

Harvard president gets a minute-long standing ovation as the commencement program starts

From CNN's Andy Rose

Harvard President Alan Garber received warm applause from the faculty and graduating class at today’s commencement celebration.

Garber, who has been the public face of Harvard’s legal fight against the Trump administration, was applauded for a full minute after giving an enthusiastic “Welcome!” to the audience.

Garber was loudly applauded again after making an indirect reference to the university’s legal pushback against the White House’s effort to make it impossible for Harvard to accept international students.

“Members of the Class of 2025, from down the street, across the country and around the world … just as it should be,” Garber said.

Graduates, he added, should be prepared to “expand our thinking and change our minds in the process.”

“My hope for you, members of the Class of 2025, is that you stay comfortable being uncomfortable,” Garber said.