1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the “growing crackdown on political expression at universities, in ways that try to sidestep the Constitution’s free-speech guarantees.” This is evidenced in the recent arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, and the President’s executive order that higher ed institutions conducting “illegal protests” won’t receive federal funding. This is a dangerous slippery slope, one that threatens free speech and academic freedom. This smacks of fascism and brings to mind dictators and despots from the past. There was a time when conservatives spoke out in favor of free speech when “cancel culture” was an issue in their minds. Now that it does not serve you, free speech is a problem. I urge you to stand up to the President and protect a foundational right of being an American. Please stand on the right side of history - you will be remembered for your actions (or inactions) and I encourage you to be brave.