Washington, DC – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) released the text of a letter he sent to Harvard University President Alan Garber imploring him and his institution to stand strong in the face of President Trump’s authoritarian assault.
“As a matter of principle, acquiescence is the wrong and dishonorable path. Should the administration do its worst, there will undoubtedly be damage to critical research, uncertainty for staff and students and the pervasive fear upon which authoritarians rely. But Harvard will not stand alone,” said Congressman Himes.
“The courts are consistently turning back the administration’s lawless behavior, including its abrogation of Congress’ power of the purse,” the letter continued. “The vast majority of alumni, driven now by principle rather than nostalgia, will stand strong with Harvard. While the judiciary and grateful alumni cannot fully blunt the pain that this administration could inflict, the fight against authoritarianism is never without sacrifice.”
A copy of the full letter is available here.
Congressman Jim Himes is the Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, represents Connecticut’s Fourth Congressional District, and is a member of the Harvard University Undergraduate Class of 1988.