Former Sacramento mayor: Harvard set a brave example that all universities must follow | Opinion
The response by Harvard University to President Donald Trump’s threats to withhold federal funds unless it eliminates diversity, equity and inclusion is a courageous example of how every institution — public and private — should respond to this dangerous administration.
Last week, the Trump administration sent the university a list of demands, including a stipulation that Harvard “immediately shutter all diversity, equity and inclusion ... programs.” In response, Harvard President Alan Garber rejected the demands.
“The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights,” reads a letter sent by the university’s legal team. “Neither Harvard nor any other private university can allow itself to be taken over by the federal government.”
Now, the Trump administration has cut over $2 billion in federal funding to the university and threatened to strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status, according to NPR.
Yet Harvard’s bravery illustrates why courage requires clarity and resolve amid the chaos. Among the innumerable dangers facing our rule of law and our imperfect but proud Bill of Rights is the great danger of allowing ourselves to be trapped by the doctrine of false choices. Trump’s deliberate shock and awe strategy is obviously intended for many purposes, including keeping sane and rational people from across the political spectrum off balance and arguing amongst ourselves. Trump’s growing opposition is too often distracted or discouraged to calmly see that we can both resist and engage in the necessary introspection about the frustrations that enabled this man to gain such immense power.
Do we resist or dwell on what we must do differently to win elections? Is our future winning strategy progressive populism or policy moderation? Must we be consumed by the news or read and hear nothing about the daily barrage of division and chaos?
The false choice is believing that we have to choose between fighting what is morally and legally wrong and acknowledging where we need to change.
Take the Harvard example: How should American universities address the ugly antisemitism that is increasing throughout the country? While some universities are agreeing to the bullying demands of an out-of-control president, our public education institutions must not cave in. They can fight antisemitism without kowtowing to Trump.
Universities must continue to assertively respond to incidents of antisemitism and other forms of discrimination and hate. When protesters commit acts of vandalism or violence or prevent others from freedom of movement and or exercising their own free speech, the university and the law must hold violators accountable. There were too many times during last year’s Gaza protests when some campuses in our country were, in fact, not safe for Jewish students.
No matter the point of view, if it is expressed peacefully, free speech and freedom to associate and organize must be absolutely protected. No student organization or administration should veto a speaker based on their political point of view. From the Palestinian protester, to the pro-Israel student, to the right wing pundit, everyone must have the right to speak without fear of reprisal or deportation.
The Trump game is tired, gross, and chilling. The president’s cynical and inappropriate misuse of the scourge of antisemitism — just one of his tactics to wipe out pluralism and diversity on our university campuses — is unworthy of our country and its president.
Just like in Charlottesville, in 2017, authoritarian words and actions don’t combat antisemitism; they give more license to it and other insidious forms of hate. When the rule of law is so frivolously and intentionally sacrificed in the alleged time of some higher value, history shows that Jewish people will ultimately suffer.
And it’s not just the Jewish community that suffers; how many students and professors will be detained and deported for their unpopular beliefs (or popular beliefs disfavored by an autocratic president) before the Supreme Court and the public clearly distinguish between free speech and threatened or actual violence?
Trump’s playbook is being practiced against school districts, art and culture treasures, law firms and every group and organization receiving federal funds. This administration threatens, intimidates and deliberately tries to divide Americans, especially historically marginalized people. We must stick together and refuse to give in to the continued assault on the best of American values.
We can both resist and engage in necessary introspection about the frustrations that enabled this man to gain such immense power. Voters sent an unmistakable election message, as chronicled by pundits and polls alike, especially on the economy. But we fall right into the Trump trap if we conflate voters’ frustrations over the price of groceries and housing with scapegoating, misogyny and racism.
We must never ever give ground on civil and human rights.
Bullies and autocrats only respect one thing: Strength. So we must stand strong for civil and human rights and against antisemitism and all forms of hatred. When Harvard says no, so can every other major public and private university.
The lessons of history are screaming at us. We cannot cut deals for short term “protection,” it never ends well for those who cower or, more importantly, for the fragile country we love.
This story was originally published April 17, 2025 at 11:01 AM with the headline "Former Sacramento mayor: Harvard set a brave example that all universities must follow | Opinion."