Harvard gets Hundred’s More in Backup Against Trump’s Efforts…

The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) has issued a statement denouncing Trump’s efforts to control — and destroy — higher education in the United States: A Call for Constructive Engagement:

As leaders of America’s colleges, universities, and scholarly societies, we speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education. We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses. We will always seek effective and fair financial practices, but we must reject the coercive use of public research funding.

and:

American institutions of higher learning have in common the essential freedom to determine, on academic grounds, whom to admit and what is taught, how, and by whom. Our colleges and universities share a commitment to serve as centers of open inquiry where, in their pursuit of truth, faculty, students, and staff are free to exchange ideas and opinions across a full range of viewpoints without fear of retribution, censorship, or deportation.

Because of these freedoms, American institutions of higher learning are essential to American prosperity and serve as productive partners with government in promoting the common good.

Harvard Crimson wrote this morning that Harvard President Garber Joins More Than 180 University Leaders in Statement Against ‘Political Interference’ With Higher Ed.

The statement — which was published by the American Association of Colleges and Universities — was signed by the leaders of nearly 190 other universities, including all Ivy League schools except for Dartmouth College.

(Dartmouth’s student paper is pushing the college to speak out —  Richardson and Beauvineau: This Earth Day, Wake Up and Stand Up — though not specifically (or not yet) to sign on.)

Yes, Columbia is on the list — which is now up to 194 as of a few minutes ago. Four hours ago it was only “Dozens of” University leaders unite to oppose Trump higher education policies. When the UK Guardian first reported this story earlier today, it was just up to 150.

This is a movement, folks!