Statement on Department of Education’s National Call to Action

August 19, 2026:

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. Harvard was the first university targeted. It continues to face unprecedented federal pressure, including the withholding of billions of dollars in research funding; demands that the University change its policies and governance; and investigations into matters traditionally handled by members of the University community.

  • Softening the language does not change its coercive intent. The new DOE letter outlines the same set of widespread, disruptive demands made last October in the federal government's proposed higher education compact. The compact was a clear attempt to use the government's power and leverage to shape core decisions about admissions, hiring, curriculum, research, and governance that should, in a free society, belong to universities and their communities.

  • As a keystone in the edifice of U.S. higher education, Harvard has a responsibility to lead. Harvard's bravery in pushing back against federal pressure, together with resistance from students, faculty, alumni, and the broader public, has made a significant difference. Harvard's willingness to take a stand has encouraged opposition at universities around the country and inspired those outside academia, as President Garber mentioned in his address to alumni in 2025. We must stand firm.

  • Harvard's administration should clearly, publicly, and adamantly state the University's refusal to accede to this so-called request. Harvard should reject any effort to use federal power to dictate the University's academic, admissions, research, or governance decisions and should urge other institutions to do the same. Acquiescence will lead only to further intrusive demands which challenge our independence of thought, expression, and action.

Statement on Trump’s March Attack on Harvard

March 20, 2026

The Trump Administration launched another groundless attack against Harvard in today’s filing in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts. There is nothing novel in their claims: last year, the administration cut off research funding, claiming Harvard had failed to address anti-Semitism concerns on campus. In an 84-page decision, Judge Allison Burroughs determined that the cancellation of research funding was completely divorced from anti-Semitism accusations, and was instead an attempt to curtail Harvard’s academic freedom.

The administration appealed that decision, but instead of filing its brief in that appeal, it is trying to exploit those same claims in a new case filed in the same court. This case is not about promoting a safe and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. It is another spurious attempt to coerce and control Harvard, foster divides, and attack academic freedom and institutional autonomy not onlyat Harvard, but across all of higher education.

Statement on the Resignation of UVA President James E. Ryan

June 27, 2025

We at Crimson Courage are saddened and deeply concerned by the resignation of University of Virginia’s president James E. Ryan under coercive pressure from both the Department of Justice and the university’s own Board of Directors.

Dr. Ryan’s forced resignation is another step toward the control of higher education. It’s clear the federal administration will continue to use the leverage of funding to chill academic freedom, freedom of speech and institutional governance. Ryan’s resignation is a clarion call not only for Harvard, but for all universities to stand together against government interference and to fight for academic autonomy, free scientific inquiry and democracy in higher education.

Statement Urging Harvard Not to Capitulate to Government’s $1 Billion Threat

February 4, 2025

Crimson Courage, an alumni group supporting academic freedom and institutional autonomy at Harvard, urges Harvard to continue to resist the Trump administration’s ongoing attempts at extorting the university under false pretenses. Harvard should recognize that negotiations with the federal administration, as this most recent threat confirms, are not in good faith and will not benefit the university.

Harvard can and must show by example how to defend academic freedom, rule of law and democracy against an increasingly autocratic regime. Building on court victories and through litigation, Harvard must defend the civil rights of all students, faculty, and staff and keep education free from government overreach and politicization.

It is by now crystal clear that how Harvard responds is critical for every college and university in the country. We stand firmly and proudly with Harvard for the future of higher education, American prosperity and, ultimately, democracy.