Take Action

If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know.

📧 Email Template

Subject: Defend Academic Freedom—Stop Political Retaliation Against Universities

Dear [Representative/Senator Last Name],

I’m writing as your constituent to express deep concern about the federal government’s recent pattern of politically motivated attacks on colleges and universities—particularly the coordinated investigations, funding threats, and intimidation tactics targeting institutions that foster free inquiry and dissent.

These efforts are not isolated events. They represent a disturbing trend of using federal power to punish public institutions for failing to align with a specific political ideology. Universities should not be coerced into compliance with the executive branch’s agenda. They should be protected as vital spaces where facts matter, diverse ideas are explored, and democratic values are taught and practiced.

I was heartened to see the Big Ten Academic Alliance take a public stand against this overreach by forming a mutual defense pact. But they shouldn’t have to defend themselves alone. Congress must step up—not just to investigate these retaliatory actions, but to affirm the principle that public institutions cannot and must not be forced into silence or submission by political threats.

I’m asking you to speak out publicly in defense of academic freedom, demand transparency and oversight of any federal investigations into universities, and make clear that federal funding cannot be used as a weapon to enforce political loyalty.

This is not about one party or one presidency. It’s about the future of democracy. We need our institutions to be strong, independent, and free to tell the truth—even when it’s inconvenient to those in power.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

☎️ Phone Script

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City, State].

I’m calling to urge [Representative/Senator Last Name] to speak out against the political targeting of universities by the federal government.

Right now, colleges across the country are facing federal investigations, funding threats, and public intimidation simply for defending academic freedom and allowing students and faculty to speak out. This is retaliation — not oversight — and it threatens the foundation of public education and democracy itself.

I was encouraged to see the Big Ten universities taking a stand to protect each other. But they shouldn’t be alone in this. I want to see my elected representatives defending the independence of our public institutions, pushing for oversight, and making it clear that truth, free speech, and academic inquiry are not negotiable.

Please make sure [Representative/Senator Last Name] knows that voters in this district care about protecting universities from political overreach.

Thank you for your time.

📣 Sample Social Media Post

🚨Universities are under political attack—for defending truth, dissent, and academic freedom. The Big Ten is standing together. Congress must too. We can’t let truth be punished. Speak out now. #DefendTruth #ProtectUniversities #OnTyranny #BiggerThanMeDemocracy

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/244cf62d-c846-49e9-84e6-1684d870f772/

Sources:

• Politico, March 25, 2025
• New York Times, March 20, 2025 -
• Inside Higher Ed, April 10, 2025 -
• The Chronicle of Higher Education, April 15, 2025