State Leaders: America Needs Your Voice, Courage

Harvard’s refusal to comply with the Trump administration’s demands—even under threat of losing over $2 billion in federal funding—is a powerful example of what it means to defend democracy. President Alan Garber was clear: no government should decide what a university can teach or who it can admit or hire. Harvard stood firm because it understands that giving in to political pressure undermines the foundation of free and independent institutions (The Crimson, April 2025). This isn’t just about higher education. The Trump administration has repeatedly used federal power to punish cities, states, and institutions that don’t fall in line. He has targeted Columbia University and others, threatened legal action against political critics, and frozen funding to advance his own agenda. From federal investigations into former officials to attempts to weaponize the Justice Department, the message is clear: disagree, and you’ll pay a price (Reuters, April 2025; The Guardian, April 2025). State leaders have a duty to act. You can speak out publicly against this abuse of power, pass legislation that protects civil rights and academic independence, and block the enforcement of federal rules that violate state and constitutional protections. These are not extreme measures—they are necessary ones in a functioning democracy. This is not a partisan issue. Republican and Democratic officials alike have raised alarms. Former President Obama called the funding freeze unlawful. Legal scholars and former GOP cabinet members have warned against growing authoritarianism. The rule of law is not about who holds power—it’s about how that power is used and limited. If states do not step up now, the damage may be irreversible. The federal government is using its resources to reward loyalty and punish dissent. This is the moment to act—not just for Harvard, but for the principles that define America. Stand up, speak out, and protect the freedoms we cannot afford to lose.