1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I want to commend institutions like Harvard for standing firm against the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle academic freedom. But this moment demands more than statements—it demands coordinated defense. Donald Trump’s escalating campaign against universities, civil rights, and independent institutions is not just political—it’s a deliberate attempt to reshape the country through fear, loyalty tests, and suppression of dissent. As historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat warns, “authoritarians always target education first—because it teaches people to think for themselves” (Truthout, April 2025). That’s why I urge you to support the formation of mutual defense pacts among states, institutions, and communities. These agreements serve as a promise: if one university or state is attacked, others will stand with them. Legal scholar Aziz Huq has written that coordinated state resistance is one of the strongest tools we have left to contain rising authoritarianism. These pacts are not only legal—they’re necessary. They represent a constitutional shield when federal power is being abused. Trump’s administration has already frozen federal funds, demanded ideological control of curricula, and signaled plans to purge civil service positions that don’t pass a loyalty test. Universities, educators, and students are being threatened simply for defending truth, inclusion, and democracy. Education is how we pass on the American dream—it’s how we prepare free people to live in a free country. We cannot let that be stripped away. This is the time for Congress and state leaders to step up. Support these mutual defense agreements. Allocate funding to protect threatened schools. Pass laws reinforcing academic freedom, and make it clear that the rule of law—not political intimidation—will guide how we educate future generations. Speed matters. When authoritarianism is moving fast, democracy must respond faster. Stand with the people. Stand with the Constitution. Support those who are defending the very soul of this country.