1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding President Donald Trump's recent announcement threatening to withhold federal funding from educational institutions that permit what he terms "illegal" protests. On March 4, 2025, the President stated that all federal funding would cease for colleges and schools allowing such protests, with agitators facing imprisonment or deportation, and American students subject to expulsion or arrest. This pronouncement appears to be a direct response to recent anti-Israel and pro-Hamas demonstrations on college campuses. The administration has previously taken action against institutions like Columbia University, retracting over $50 million in government contracts due to their handling of such protests. Legal experts have raised alarms that these threats may infringe upon First Amendment rights. Gautam Hans, a law professor at Cornell University, emphasized that protests, even those expressing controversial views, are protected under the Constitution. The President's warnings could deter individuals from exercising their free speech rights and pressure universities into imposing stricter penalties on demonstrators. The ambiguity surrounding what constitutes an "illegal" protest further exacerbates concerns. Without clear definitions, this policy could be applied arbitrarily, suppressing dissenting voices and undermining the foundational principles of free expression in our democracy. I urge you to: 1 Publicly oppose any measures that threaten to withhold federal funding from educational institutions based on the nature of campus protests. 2 Advocate for the protection of First Amendment rights, ensuring that students and faculty can engage in free speech and peaceful assembly without fear of retribution. 3 Seek clarification from the administration on the definitions and criteria used to label protests as "illegal," to prevent arbitrary enforcement and safeguard constitutional freedoms. It is imperative that we uphold the constitutional rights that are the bedrock of our democracy. Suppressing free speech, especially in academic settings, sets a dangerous precedent that could erode civil liberties for all. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to hearing your specific plans on addressing this matter.