1. United States
2. Letter

The Trump administration's move to freeze $2.3 billion in federal funding for Harvard University over its refusal to comply with a controversial set of demands is a blatant attack on academic freedom. By attempting to dictate how Harvard operates, from admissions policies to course curriculum and student groups, the White House is overreaching and infringing on the independence of one of America's premier institutions of higher learning. Harvard was right to reject these unlawful demands, which amount to federal overreach and an attempt to stifle free inquiry and open discourse on campus. Universities must remain bastions of free thought, critical analysis, and the open exchange of ideas – core principles that are fundamental to a free society. Forcing Harvard to dismantle its diversity, equity and inclusion programs, ban certain student organizations, and institute ill-defined "merit-based" policies would undermine its ability to foster an environment of intellectual growth and exploration. The administration's demands reek of ideological bias and seem aimed at silencing voices and perspectives it disagrees with, rather than addressing legitimate issues of discrimination. I urge the administration to reverse course on this reckless decision that jeopardizes federal research funding vital to advancing knowledge and innovation in fields like medicine, technology and climate science. The American people deserve universities empowered to think freely and pursue truth, not institutions muzzled by political agendas. Defending Harvard's autonomy preserves a cornerstone of American democracy – the ability to engage in open inquiry without authoritarian overreach. We must stand united against this affront to academic freedom.