1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to express deep concern over former President Trump’s recent statement threatening to strip federal funding from universities that allow “illegal protests,” imprison or deport “agitators,” and expel or arrest students who participate. These threats are a direct attack on the First Amendment and a dangerous precedent for government overreach. The right to protest is fundamental to our democracy. Politicizing federal education funding and criminalizing student activism undermine the principles of free speech and academic independence. If implemented, these threats could devastate Ohio’s colleges, harm students—particularly those reliant on federal aid—and create an environment where fear stifles open discourse. As an elected leader in Ohio, you have the responsibility to: • Publicly denounce this authoritarian rhetoric. • Affirm your commitment to protecting Ohio students’ constitutional rights. • Ensure Ohio’s institutions of higher learning are not punished for upholding free expression. I urge you to stand up for democracy and reject any efforts to suppress free speech on campus. Your response to this issue will demonstrate whether you stand for constitutional freedoms or government-imposed restrictions on dissent. I look forward to your response.