1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's demands to Harvard University are an alarming attack on academic freedom and the core principles of higher education. Universities must remain bastions of open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and rigorous scholarship - not become politicized arms of the government. The proposed reforms would severely undermine Harvard's ability to build an inclusive community, uphold meritocratic admissions standards, and foster the free exchange of ideas across the academic spectrum. Forcing ideological litmus tests, purging entire departments based on viewpoint, and stifling diversity initiatives are anti-intellectual measures that threaten the integrity of research and teaching. Harvard has stood as a world-leading institution for nearly four centuries by maintaining its independence and commitment to excellence. These misguided demands put that legacy at grave risk. Surrendering to the administration's overreach would do lasting damage to academia and the nation's interests. We urge you to firmly reject this brazenly unconstitutional overreach by the executive branch. Upholding Harvard's autonomy is vital for protecting intellectual freedom and scientific progress in America. These threats cannot be allowed to compromise one of our country's most esteemed universities.