Friend,

As a graduate of Harvard University, I recently had the opportunity to speak with President Garber about Donald Trump's attacks on the university, the independence of institutions of higher education, and our democracy writ large. In light of reports that the university's leadership is considering settling with the White House, I strongly encouraged Harvard to stand strong against Trump's authoritarian tactics.

To be clear, there is no easy path forward. Harvard faces a terrible choice between losing funding for critical research or bowing to the will of a bully whose power grows with each capitulation.

But as more and more corporations, law firms, and universities bend their knee to Trump's will, I think Harvard has an opportunity to inspire the world by standing strong in the face of the President's threats. Doing so would have an impact far beyond the gates of Harvard's campus, as one institution's bravery might inspire others to resist acquiescence. As I told President Garber, once a bully's power is shown to be limited anywhere, it is questioned everywhere.

Nearly 250 years ago, eight Harvard graduates joined 48 others in Philadelphia and decided to risk their lives by standing up to a dangerous tyrant. Though they had everything to lose, they declared independence and founded a new nation premised on the freedom of expression and the rule of law.

Now, Harvard itself must take a similar risk. If they do so, I believe that people everywhere, without a scintilla of the security Harvard enjoys, will be validated, energized, and even catalyzed by one university's bravery.

Jim