Rally Point: Defend the Freedom to Think
This week, the Trump administration escalated its efforts to suppress dissent and control information:
It moved to terminate all remaining federal contracts with Harvard University, totaling approximately $100 million, following earlier actions to revoke its ability to enroll international students. Reuters
It ordered U.S. embassies and consulates to halt new student visa interviews, while considering expanded social media vetting for all foreign student applicants. BBC
It issued an executive order directing federal agencies to cease funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), citing concerns over perceived liberal bias. AP News
These actions are not isolated incidents. They represent a concerted effort to undermine institutions that foster critical thinking, academic freedom, and independent journalism.
Rally Point: Defend the Freedom to Think
The administration's recent moves threaten the core values of a democratic society: the open exchange of ideas, the pursuit of knowledge, and the right to question authority.
By targeting universities, restricting international academic exchange, and attempting to defund public media, the administration seeks to control the narrative and silence dissenting voices.
Actions You Can Take:
Contact University Leadership
Write to the President, Provost, or Board of Trustees at your alma mater or local university. Urge them to issue a public statement defending academic freedom and denouncing the administration’s efforts to defund or discredit higher education institutions. You can usually find their contact info on the university website under "Office of the President" or "Leadership."Suggested subject line: Defend Academic Freedom — Speak Out Now
Support International Students
Call or email your U.S. Senators and Representatives to demand they push back against the suspension of new student visa interviews and oppose expanded surveillance of student applicants. Ask them to co-sponsor or introduce legislation that protects academic exchange and prevents political interference in the visa process.
Use house.gov and senate.gov to find your lawmakers.Defend Public Media
Submit public comments, letters to the editor, or social media posts defending NPR and PBS. Donate if you can. Most importantly, tell your Members of Congress to oppose the executive order to eliminate their funding and to pass legislation that protects the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
You can also call the White House Comment Line at 202-456-1111 to voice your disapproval directly.Amplify Voices
Share statements from university leaders, immigrant advocacy groups, and media watchdogs. Use hashtags like #DefendEducation, #ProtectPublicMedia, and #AcademicFreedom to keep the issue in the public eye.
In times like these, we must stay vigilant and take deliberate steps to defend the institutions that uphold our democratic values.
#TakeActionNow #DefendAcademicFreedom #SupportPublicMedia