Stand with American People, Judges, Universities, Democracy Now

Harvard University’s bold refusal to comply with the Trump administration’s demands—despite the threat of losing over $2 billion in federal funding—is a model of democratic resistance. President Alan Garber stated, “No government—regardless of which party is in power—should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue” (The Crimson, April 2025). This is not just about one school—it’s about the survival of free thought and the independence of every institution under threat by a federal government abusing its power to punish dissent. Our judiciary is also in danger. Threats against judges have surged, with over 1,000 serious incidents in recent years. Following the tragic murder of a federal judge’s son in 2020, Chief Justice John Roberts warned that threats and intimidation toward judges “undermine our Republic.” Yet the Trump administration has fueled this environment, publicly attacking judges and encouraging distrust in the legal system (Reuters, April 2025). Experts agree this is how autocrats erode rule of law—by turning courts into enemies and making judicial independence a target. Meanwhile, everyday Americans—students, teachers, public servants, journalists—are being subjected to loyalty tests, censorship, and surveillance. The Trump administration has defunded programs that promote diversity and inclusion, purged civil servants, and instructed agencies to cut ties with institutions that resist control. Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat warns that these tactics are taken straight from the autocratic playbook: “You break people down, isolate them, and take out the institutions that protect them” (Truthout, April 2025). One of the most powerful tools we have left is coordinated resistance through mutual defense pacts. Legal scholar Aziz Huq argues that federalism gives states the legal right—and moral duty—to resist unconstitutional federal mandates. A formal agreement among states and institutions to defend each other from political retaliation would create strength in unity. This can be reinforced by emergency funding, public statements, and state legislation that protects academic and judicial independence. I urge you to act immediately. Stand with our universities, protect our judges, defend everyday Americans, and help organize mutual defense agreements that ensure no one stands alone. Experts are clear: the longer we wait, the more difficult it will be to restore what’s lost. This is the time to be bold. Defend democracy now—before it’s too late.