We Stand with Harvard

Crimson Courage is a movement started by Harvard University alumni to support the University’s courageous stance to maintain its academic independence in the face of the Federal Government cutting its funding.

Like many in our community, we read former Harvard President Larry Summers’ op-ed in The New York Times affirming the vital importance of Harvard standing up to the administration and hoped that Harvard would make us proud. In reading the response from current Harvard President Alan Garber, we are delighted that our alma mater has acted with both moral clarity and speed.

In a time when so many are afraid to speak up, courage like this must be supported and amplified. We believe that now is an important time to rally the Harvard alumni community together in support of the University. By rallying around the University and collaborating with alumni of other Universities, we can build a powerful coalition to defend not just Universities and educational institutions but free speech, academic freedom and the rule of law. The Federal Government has chosen to use its power to freeze $2.2 Billion of funding, including for medical research and care, threatened Harvard’s tax-exempt status and is now threatening to revoke Harvard’s ability to host international students.

As President Garber and former President Summers’ op-ed note, Harvard has problems that must be addressed on campus. And yet, this is no longer about these or any other specific issues. Rather it is about whether we will continue to have a society where issues can be freely debated under the protection of the law or whether the law will be weaponized to silence speech.

Whether you are a member of the alumni community or an ally, we invite you to show your support with the hashtag #CrimsonCourage. Given that the Federal Government has made money the issue of the day, we also believe that it’s vital to provide Harvard with the financial support it needs for the fight ahead. Having spoken to alumni closely connected to the Harvard Fund, we encourage you to give directly to unrestricted funds here. This will give the University the financial flexibility to defend against the multi-frontal assault it is currently facing.

If you’re not ready to donate, we encourage you to pledge support and let us know what you’d want to see in order to convert your pledge to a donation. In an environment where so many no longer feel comfortable speaking honestly, openly and publicly, participation is more vital than ever.

Fight Fiercely, Harvard. We’re here to fight alongside you.