April 14th, Harvard University I chose the counter The Trump administration’s assault on civil liberties upholds the First Amendment and academic freedom. There is a risk of losing significant federal funding amounting to billions as a result.
Harvard’s decision could be pivotal. For those curious about how “resistance” to presidential power misuses manifests, Harvard has finally provided a tangible example.
Harvard declined the Trump administration’s demand to curtail activities on campus and alter enrollment, hiring, and DEI initiatives. In response, the administration has suspended over $2.2 billion in federal grants to universities, potentially challenging nearly $9 billion in contract subsidies.
Harvard President Alan Gerber stated the university’s position clearly: “The university will uphold its autonomy and constitutional rights,” he expressed in an email to the Harvard community.
Through its defiance, Harvard has established itself as a leading private university in the nation. However, Harvard alone cannot counter President Trump’s oversteps. Now is the time for other universities to rally behind Harvard against the Trump administration.
Consider the situation at Cornell. On April 8th, the government froze over $1 billion in federal funding, asserting that an investigation into alleged civil rights violations involving Jewish students would dictate the release of those funds. Cornell’s leadership faces a precarious balance between asserting academic autonomy and appealing to federal supporters. However, that approach is misguided.
Cornell needs to define its identity as an institution of higher learning. To make that decision, its leaders must contemplate some fundamental questions.
They should consider if the issue revolves around anti-Semitism or if that is even a factor. They need to ponder the broader, long-term consequences—beyond finances—of securing this funding by aligning with the Trump administration’s stance. They must evaluate what constitutes power and how much they are willing to relinquish to the president.
Moreover, they should decide whether to protect their commitment to free inquiry, truth-seeking, and the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.
Critiques of an individual’s foreign policy can easily be conflated with accusations of anti-Semitism. Therefore, school leaders should regard funding freezes as a poorly disguised scheme primarily aimed at stifling political dissent.
The essence of its power is straightforward. It entails allowing others to act as they wish. Donald Trump was often able to do this, bolstered by recklessness. As the head of the Maga Party, he now proposes an arrangement to a university that they “can’t refuse.”
However, they can refuse. University leaders must emulate Harvard’s example and awaken to their own strength. Cornell and other institutions can effectively address genuine anti-Semitism and harassment on campus without succumbing to coercion or compromising their right to free speech.
No, Mr. President, we do not require students to remain silent. We will continue to educate about the true history of our nation. We do not ignore the existence of race or class. We do not turn a blind eye to climate change.
Long before federal funds supported research, universities invested in academic and knowledge endeavors. A billion dollars is undoubtedly a substantial sum. Yet, Cornell can secure it. A single check from Bill Gates could resolve it.
Cornell president Michael Kotrykov does not need to elaborate extensively. But he must communicate his message simply, clearly, and with conviction.
First, he should declare that anti-Semitism, hate speech, and harassment will not be permitted. Second, students have the right to peacefully protest U.S. or government foreign policies, including the violence from Hamas or Israeli forces. Third, he must reaffirm Cornell’s dedication to the free exchange of ideas and the quest for truth. Trump appears to be oblivious to this.
We refuse to be held captive by ignorance. We will not be intimidated either. Trump and his administration need only hear the phrase “get lost.”
Andrew Smith is a writer residing in Washington, DC, with a background in education and intercultural communication.
