Joint Statement from University Leaders Condemns Trump Administration’s “Unprecedented Overreach”

More than 170 presidents of colleges, universities, and academic societies issued a powerful joint statement Tuesday condemning what they described as “unprecedented government overreach” by the Trump administration into the affairs of higher education.

The statement, signed by leaders from institutions including Princeton, Brown, Harvard, the University of Hawaii, and Connecticut State Community College, is the latest sign of mounting resistance across academia to the administration’s aggressive push to reshape campus policy and leadership.

“We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight,” the letter reads. “However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses.” The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

The unified stance follows a tense standoff between Harvard University and the federal government. On April 14, Harvard rejected sweeping demands from the Trump administration, including oversight of student life, faculty hiring, and academic content. The next day, the administration froze $2.3 billion in federal funding to the university.

In response, Harvard filed a lawsuit on Monday accusing the government of violating the Constitution by attempting to “overhaul Harvard’s governance, control Harvard’s faculty hiring and dictate what faculty may teach Harvard students.” The university argued the administration failed to follow proper legal procedures and infringed on First Amendment rights.

Trump administration officials say the actions are aimed at ensuring taxpayer dollars are not used to support racial discrimination or violence. The White House has also threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status and bar it from enrolling international students.

This crackdown is part of a broader campaign targeting higher education institutions over pro-Palestinian protests, DEI initiatives, and transgender rights. Columbia University was one of the first to be scrutinized, but recent weeks have seen a sharper focus on Harvard.

On April 15, more than 60 current and former university presidents signed a separate open letter expressing their strong support for Harvard President Alan Garber’s refusal to comply with the administration’s demands.

As tensions escalate, academic leaders are signaling they will not stand by quietly. Their message: the autonomy of American higher education is not up for negotiation.

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