Statement and Press Release, 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.
What You Can Do
The federal government should not use its power over universities' funding, accreditation, or student aid to dictate policies, priorities, or governance. You can do something important to make a difference.
Contact President Garber (president@harvard.edu) and share your view of the DOE's letter and what Harvard should do.
— Identify yourself as a Harvard alum. Provide your school(s) and year(s) of graduation.
— State your perspective on the DOE's letter. McMahon's "request" is simply a new version of the same inappropriate demands the federal government has previously made. Acceding to this request will help undermine of Harvard's institutional independence.
— Explain why you think institutional independence and academic freedom are important. You may want to share some personal experience or insight.
— Tell President Garber what you think the University should do. Defend Harvard's independence and make a clear public statement that the University will not be complying with the DOE's request. Publicly reject federal interference in academic, research, admissions, and governance decisions.
Reach out to fellow alumni and make sure they are aware of the latest developments and what is at stake.
Stay involved with Crimson Courage.