ISLAMABAD: In a rare and united move, more than 100 presidents of American universities, colleges, and scholarly societies have issued a joint statement opposing what they call “unprecedented government overreach and political interference” by the Trump administration in the higher education sector.
The collective action comes in the wake of a standoff between Harvard University and the White House, with Harvard accusing the administration of threatening its independence. The university rejected multiple federal demands seeking oversight of its students, faculty, and curriculum, which it described as an ideologically driven attempt to curb perceived liberal bias.
The joint statement, endorsed by leaders from institutions such as Princeton, Brown, the University of Hawaii, and Connecticut State Community College, emphasized that while the academic community is open to “constructive reform and legitimate government oversight,” it must reject “undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses.”
The White House has yet to respond to the statement.
The escalating tensions began when the Trump administration announced it would freeze $2.3 billion in federal funding to Harvard and threatened to strip the university of its tax-exempt status and its ability to enroll international students. White House spokesperson Harrison Fields defended the administration’s stance, asserting the goal was to prevent taxpayer dollars from supporting racial discrimination or violence.
In response, Harvard filed a lawsuit accusing the administration of trying to “coerce and control” the university in violation of constitutional free speech protections and procedural norms under federal civil rights laws. The lawsuit claims that the government is seeking to interfere with faculty hiring, curriculum decisions, and overall university governance.
This confrontation is part of a broader campaign by President Trump, who has accused top U.S. universities of failing to manage campus protests and of fostering antisemitism. His administration has also taken aim at diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, as well as transgender rights, threatening to cut federal funding over these issues.
Columbia University was among the administration’s initial targets, but in recent weeks, the focus has shifted to Harvard. On April 15, over 60 current and former university presidents signed an open letter in support of Harvard President Alan Garber, backing his decision to reject the administration’s demands.
The academic community’s show of solidarity signals growing resistance to what many see as ideological interference in higher education under the Trump administration.
