Crimson Courage 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.
