1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern over the Trump administration’s attempts to exert political influence over American colleges and universities—particularly the decision to cut federal funding to institutions like Harvard University in an effort to force compliance with its demands. Higher education should be a place of academic freedom, intellectual exploration, and independent thought. It is dangerous and deeply un-American to use federal funding as a tool to manipulate the policies or principles of academic institutions. Colleges and universities must remain autonomous, free from political coercion, and empowered to make decisions based on the best interests of their students and faculty—not the whims of a particular administration. I want to especially commend Harvard University for standing firm in its values, even in the face of federal funding cuts. It takes courage to resist political pressure, and Harvard’s refusal to comply with the Trump administration’s demands reflects a necessary defense of academic integrity and independence. Institutions like Harvard should be supported, not punished, for standing up for constitutional rights and academic freedom. Cutting federal support to colleges as a political tactic not only sets a dangerous precedent, but it also harms students, faculty, and researchers who rely on those resources. These decisions do not just affect elite universities—they reverberate throughout the entire education system, threatening the future of higher learning in our country. I urge you to take a stand against the politicization of education funding and to fight for the continued independence and integrity of our academic institutions. Federal funding should be used to support education—not to control it. Thank you for your time and service to our country.