More than 180 college leaders blasted President Donald Trump’s attempts to cut federal funding for universities if they don’t fall in line with his administration’s demands.
The letter, published Tuesday by the American Association of Colleges and Universities and signed by university presidents across the country, warned against “unprecedented government overreach.”
“As leaders of America’s colleges, universities, and scholarly societies, we speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education,” the letter reads.
This past month, the Trump administration has halted billions of dollars in federal grants to several universities after accusing the schools of “antisemitism” over campus protests against Israel’s attacks on Gaza. The administration has also cited diversity, equity and inclusion programs at several universities as reasons to cut funding.
The signatories come from Ivy League schools like Harvard and Princeton, to large state schools and even smaller liberal arts colleges.
“We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight,” the letter reads. “However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses.”
Harvard University has fought back against the administration’s bully tactics, saying it won’t give in to Trump’s demands at the risk of having $9 billion in federal grants withheld.
“The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights,” lawyers Robert Hur and William Burck wrote to Trump administration officials earlier this month. “Neither Harvard nor any other private university can allow itself to be taken over by the federal government. Accordingly, Harvard will not accept the government’s terms as an agreement in principle.”
Harvard is now suing the Trump administration over the frozen funds.
Tuesday’s letter warns that Trump’s attempts to control universities will negatively impact future students.
“The price of abridging the defining freedoms of American higher education will be paid by our students and our society,” the letter reads. “On behalf of our current and future students, and all who work at and benefit from our institutions, we call for constructive engagement that improves our institutions and serves our republic.”
Clarification: This article has been amended to reflect that Columbia University’s acting president signed the letter Tuesday afternoon, after the article was first published.