We are Harvard alumni standing up for academic freedom at Harvard and beyond
Higher education and academic freedom are under assault.
Harvard’s bold and principled risk in standing up for a free democratic society has already inspired other universities to do the same.
We hope you are moved to join the Crimson Courage community and to help us in our urgent defense of our alma mater and higher education across the nation. Please also consider an unrestricted donation of any amount to Harvard to signal that you support the University. Your donation will be tagged to Crimson Courage to let Harvard know where you stand.
Where We Stand
Statement on Proposed Tax Changes That Punish Students
On September 3, 2026, The Treasury and the IRS proposed new regulations that would deny tax-exempt status to any private educational institution that offers any support for minority students, including clubs, athletics, programming, counseling, and scholarships. If adopted, it would take effect June 1, 2027. Coupled with the accreditation threat that could take effect in July 2027, this could effectively hobble Harvard and other universities, constraining independence, chilling academic freedom, and narrowing access to higher education.
Your voice makes a difference: Submit a comment rejecting these changes to the IRS on the proposed regulations by November 3.
» By November 3: Submit a comment to the IRS
This is yet another salvo in the federal government's campaign to control and diminish Harvard.President Trump threatened to remove Harvard's tax-exempt status last spring, after the University refused to accede to his demands. He wrote, "It’s what they deserve!" That effort was thwarted by laws blocking the president from directing the IRS to investigate taxpayers. Having failed under the existing rules, the administration is now seeking to change the rules themselves. This is no surprise, as the government has already tried to force Harvard to its knees using funding freezes, lawsuits, investigations, increased taxes, limits on international students and researchers, and other attacks on institutional independence.
Weaponizing the IRS to punish organizations over political disagreements is oppressive, outrageous, and dangerous to our democracy. The message is clear: any organization of any kind could be targeted for crippling tax changes. The IRS is legally required to be free from political influence, but these regulations make a mockery of that law.
Losing tax-exempt status would have devastating consequences. At Harvard, the University has said it would likely lead to severe cuts in financial aid and medical research. Across the country, many schools would be unable to survive in their current forms.
These regulations would severely reduce opportunities for all students. The Treasury and IRS estimate that the scholarships of about 750,000 students nationwide could be terminated: three-quarters of a million students might be forced to withdraw from the schools of their choice and have their best hopes for learning and advancement dashed. The loss of these voices at Harvard and other schools would hinder all students in their pursuit of free inquiry and engagement with new ideas.
Providing support is an investment in educational opportunity and institutional excellence, not discrimination. Support for minorities can take many forms, such as scholarships from private donors or a room on campus where an affinity group can meet. None of this reduces opportunity for other students.
Harvard must stand strong and resist this dangerous threat. Harvard is a clear target because it is a leader in U.S. higher education. Thus far, its committed resistance to the federal government's incursions—combined with the efforts of alumni, students, and faculty—has not only resulted in victories for Harvard but also been an important and inspiring example for other colleges and universities throughout the country.
The federal government should not use its power over universities' funding to reduce support and opportunities for all students. You can do something crucial to make a difference; please act.
What You Can Do
Make a comment by November 3.
Share this action alert with fellow alumni to make sure they are aware of what is happening and what is at stake.
Stay involved with Crimson Courage. Sign up for our monthly newsletter.
Statement on Department of Education’s August Letter
Read full statement and take action.
On August 3, 2026, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon issued a "National Call to Action" addressed to university presidents and governing boards. In it, she asked them to respond to a number of questions designed, in her words, to "rebuild public confidence and trust." She requested they post these responses in writing on their websites by the end of this calendar year. However, this letter is far from a benign request.
The DOE letter is the latest attempt by the current administration in its campaign to exert political control over what is taught and even thought in universities, Harvard in particular.
Softening the language does not change its coercive intent.
As a keystone in the edifice of U.S. higher education, Harvard has a responsibility to lead.
Harvard's administration should clearly, publicly, and adamantly state the University's refusal to accede to this so-called request.
What You Can Do
Contact President Garber (president@harvard.edu) and share your view of the DOE's letter and what Harvard should do.
Earlier Statements by Crimson Courage
March 20, 2026: On new legal attack by the federal government curtailing freedom of speech
June 27, 2025: On forced resignation of UVA president, James E. Ryan
February 4, 2025: On dangers of capitulating to the federal government’s billion-dollar threat
Take Action
Coming Accreditation Changes Pose Danger to Academic Freedom and Student Aid
This is an unparalleled time of turmoil and danger for Harvard, higher education and democracy in our country. As the Trump administration spawns more lawsuits, investigations and demands for a multi-billion dollar “claw back,” it is launching a fresh wave of attacks to politicize and weaponize regulation of higher education.
By November 1, 2026, the federal government plans to transform an apolitical accreditation system, designed to ensure quality education at our colleges and universities, into a systemic tool to impose the administration’s ideology and limit access to education and financial aid.
We are witnessing an explosive escalation in the administration’s use of aggressive, overreaching regulation to impose its ideology and bring every aspect of higher education to heel. It is tantamount to extortion, with students held hostage.
One year ago Crimson Courage came together in support of Harvard’s resistance to the Trump administration’s dramatic attacks on the university's academic freedom. At this perilous juncture, we again urge the university to fight back.
Submit a public comment to the DOE by September 21: The DOE is obligated to respond to all "significant" comments that demonstrate the potential harmful impact.
» By September 21: Submit a comment to the DOE
» Alumni: Read and sign our letter to Harvard
Events
Courage Counts: Where We Are and the Way Forward
This lively Alumni Day discussion of academic freedom and democracy featured:
Representative Jamie Raskin
Professor Kathryn Sikkink
Professor Randall Kennedy
Professor Alex Keyssar
and more!
» Watch on YouTube
Crimson Courage News
Harvard Wins Decisive Victory in Lawsuit
Crimson Courage, the Harvard grass-roots alumni group, applauds US District Judge Allison D. Burroughs’ summary judgement against the cancellation of $2.7 billion of research grants to Harvard.
According to Crimson Courage’s legal adviser, Anurima Bhargava, “This is an unabashed win. This win is not only for academic freedom and civil liberties at Harvard, but also a testament to the courage of the students, faculty, employees and alumni who have spoken truth to power on the behalf of higher education, human rights and civil society.”
In the words of Judge Burroughs, “Now it is the job of the courts to similarly step up, to act to safeguard academic freedom and freedom of speech as required by the Constitution, and to ensure that important research is not improperly subjected to arbitrary and procedurally infirm grant terminations, even if doing so risks the wrath of a government committed to its agenda no matter the cost.”
Academic freedom is not transactional: it is the first principle for free inquiry, civil discourse and the preservation of democracy. We will continue the fight for our constitutional rights for students, faculty, workers and all of society. The battle is just beginning.
» Read the full decision
More than 12,000 Harvard Alumni Sign Amicus Brief in Support of Academic Freedom and Institutional Independence
On June 9, 2025, in a historic show of solidarity, more than 12,000 Harvard alumni from all 50 U.S. states and countries around the world have submitted the largest known alumni brief in American history: an amicus curiae brief in support of Harvard in President and Fellows of Harvard College v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, now pending before Judge Allison Burroughs in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The lawsuit challenges the Trump Administration’s decision to withhold $2.2 billion in funding as part of its escalating and unlawful campaign of coercion and retaliation against Harvard (Harvard's legal complaint can be found here.).
The amicus brief—drafted by attorneys who are Harvard alumni—is an unprecedented instance of individual Harvard alumni taking legal action together, and includes alumni from all of Harvard’s degree-granting schools. Alumni—across generations, professions, political affiliations, geographies, and backgrounds—speak to their shared commitment to truth, service, academic independence and the central place of education in American life.
» Read the alumni amicus brief as filed
The amicus brief was open for signature by Harvard degree holders from any school or department in the university, irrespective of nationality or citizenship.
» Read the list of Harvard signatories
Open Letters to Harvard from Crimson Courage in 2025
Click on the date to read each letter.
November 19:A joint sign-on letter from Crimson Courage and Stand Up for Yale asking both universities to protect academic freedom
October 21: Urging a strong public stance on the “Compact” and protection of academic freedom
August 1: A sign-on letter calling for Harvard to uphold its independence; reject political interference; safeguard academic integrity; refuse punitive financial penalties; protect students, researchers, faculty, and staff; and establish direct, ongoing engagement with the University community. Add your name to the over 17,000 signers—no Harvard affiliation is required. Read and sign.
July 10: Stating deep concern at the shuttering of offices and institutions focused on minority, female, and LGBTQ students in capitulation to the unreasonable demands of the federal government
June 23: Urging the President, Fellows, Alumni Association, and Deans of all 12 Harvard schools to resist compromising our values or integrity in any sort of deal with the federal government
Join Our Community
By joining the grassroots Crimson Courage community, you gain opportunities to:
Support Harvard’s freedom from government interference;
Endorse academic freedom and freedom of speech;
Oppose federal efforts to suppress voices, censor vital scholarship, and diminish the presence of varied populations and viewpoints;
Improve on-campus communication and mutual respect among people from different backgrounds;
Collaborate with other universities and organizations in advocacy for independent higher education nationally; and
Add your voice to the dialogue surrounding issues of academic independence across the nation.
Support Crimson Courage by joining our email list, volunteering, and/or donating.
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