100+ University Leaders Denounce Trump Education Policies

Over 100 U.S. university and college presidents, including those from Harvard, Princeton, Brown, and MIT, have signed a joint letter condemning the Trump administration for unprecedented political interference and government overreach in higher education. The statement follows Harvard University's lawsuit after its federal funding was frozen and further grants were threatened due to the school's refusal to implement policy and leadership changes demanded by the administration, including viewpoint audits. The administration has cited concerns about campus antisemitism and opposition to diversity programs as justification, while also threatening universities' tax-exempt status and the enrollment of foreign students. University leaders call for constructive reform and oversight but strongly reject coercive use of research funding and government intrusion. They stress that academic freedom and open inquiry are essential to the mission of higher education in sustaining democracy. This action marks a significant and unified escalation of resistance from academic leaders against federal policy.