More than 200 students at Harvard University have signed an open letter calling on the administration to “reject any unreasonable or unlawful demands” from the Trump White House, as discussions between the university and federal officials continue, as per a report by The Harvard Crimson. The letter, circulated on Friday by the group Harvard Students for Freedom, comes amid speculation over a potential agreement between the university and the Trump administration.
“Harvard is not Harvard if it is ruled over by the Trump administration,” the letter stated.
The open letter, titled “To Harvard from its Students,” gathered 197 public signatures and 29 anonymous ones. It was open to all current undergraduate and graduate students. The student group behind the letter, formed earlier this spring, voiced concern that the university could compromise its academic independence in order to avoid federal pressure.
“If a deal is indeed close to being reached, we sincerely hope that it is because the Trump administration has backed down, not because Harvard has caved,” the letter said.
As per the Harvard Crimson report, Trump recently claimed on social media that the university was nearing a “historic” agreement with his administration. Harvard has not confirmed the status of talks, stating only that it has outlined steps taken to counter antisemitism and promote viewpoint diversity.
Despite this, fears remain among students and faculty that Harvard may agree to changes that affect university governance and student rights. The open letter specifically warned against removing professors, altering course content, or disciplining students for peaceful speech.
The students also urged the university not to share disciplinary records of international students, calling such actions a threat to their legal status and freedom. “A deal certainly must not involve turning over disciplinary records of international students, risking ideological deportation,” the letter said.
“Doing so would set a dangerous precedent for the entire country. We know Trump’s strategy: give him an inch and he’ll take a mile.”
The university has not responded directly to the letter but said in earlier statements that its priority is to protect academic freedom and institutional values.
“Harvard is not Harvard if it is ruled over by the Trump administration,” the letter stated.
The open letter, titled “To Harvard from its Students,” gathered 197 public signatures and 29 anonymous ones. It was open to all current undergraduate and graduate students. The student group behind the letter, formed earlier this spring, voiced concern that the university could compromise its academic independence in order to avoid federal pressure.
“If a deal is indeed close to being reached, we sincerely hope that it is because the Trump administration has backed down, not because Harvard has caved,” the letter said.
As per the Harvard Crimson report, Trump recently claimed on social media that the university was nearing a “historic” agreement with his administration. Harvard has not confirmed the status of talks, stating only that it has outlined steps taken to counter antisemitism and promote viewpoint diversity.
Despite this, fears remain among students and faculty that Harvard may agree to changes that affect university governance and student rights. The open letter specifically warned against removing professors, altering course content, or disciplining students for peaceful speech.
The students also urged the university not to share disciplinary records of international students, calling such actions a threat to their legal status and freedom. “A deal certainly must not involve turning over disciplinary records of international students, risking ideological deportation,” the letter said.
“Doing so would set a dangerous precedent for the entire country. We know Trump’s strategy: give him an inch and he’ll take a mile.”
The university has not responded directly to the letter but said in earlier statements that its priority is to protect academic freedom and institutional values.
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