Dear University Presidents:

We, the undersigned members of the academic community and supporters of higher education, urge you to take a strong and public stand in defense of our shared values at a time when academic freedom and institutional independence are under growing political threat.

Education is a cornerstone of democracy. Yet today, the principles of open inquiry, scientific integrity, and intellectual freedom are increasingly at risk. The current administration has cut research funding based on political agendas, limited reimbursements, and launched broad investigations into dozens of colleges and universities—actions that chill free expression and discourage scholarly work.

While legal challenges from advocacy organizations such as the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) are underway, the most powerful and necessary response must come from the universities themselves. Higher education institutions have both the responsibility and the legal standing to lead this fight.

We call on you to consider the following actions:

• Publicly denounce political interference in research, speech, and campus policies;
• Reaffirm our institution’s commitment to academic freedom, inclusion, and the protection of all students and scholars, regardless of citizenship;
• Join or initiate legal action asserting universities’ rights to operate free from political coercion.

This is a defining moment. Your leadership can help demonstrate the essential role of higher education in preserving democratic values, advancing knowledge, and protecting civil liberties.

We understand the challenges involved, but we respectfully urge you to act with courage and clarity—to defend the core principles that make our universities vital to the health of our democracy.