1. United States
2. Alaska
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern over recent attempts to tie federal funding to ideological litmus tests in higher education. The directive from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), requiring federal agencies to report on whether their programs “promote gender ideology,” support abortion rights, or comply with “illegal DEI” mandates, is a dangerous step toward government control over what we teach, research, and discuss in our universities. This is not just an attack on academic freedom—it is an attack on democracy itself. Conditioning federal support on adherence to a particular political ideology is disturbingly reminiscent of McCarthyism, and it is fundamentally un-American. Institutions of higher learning must remain spaces for critical thinking, open inquiry, and intellectual diversity, free from partisan interference. The consequences of this overreach are far-reaching. The funding freeze alone has already disrupted vital programs, from scientific research to school meal assistance. Should this ideological litmus test take hold, universities and other federally funded organizations may be forced to alter their curriculum, research priorities, and student services to comply with the political whims of the executive branch. This is a gross violation of the separation of powers and an affront to the very principles of academic integrity. Furthermore, this approach is particularly alarming for Alaska. Our state depends heavily on federal support for education, research, and economic development. Alaskan universities play a crucial role in training future leaders, driving innovation, and addressing the unique challenges we face, from climate change to workforce shortages. Federal interference in what can and cannot be taught or researched will stifle progress and undermine the very institutions that sustain our communities. I urge you to take immediate action to oppose this dangerous overreach. Congress must assert its constitutional authority over federal appropriations, ensure that funds already approved are released without political interference, and protect institutions of higher education from ideological coercion. I appreciate your time and attention to this critical issue. I look forward to hearing how you plan to safeguard academic freedom and prevent this dangerous precedent from taking hold.