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.