U.S. academic leaders unite against Trump’s higher education policies [Video]

More than 100 university, college and scholarly society presidents published a joint statement on Tuesday opposing the Trump administration’s treatment of higher education institutions, coming together to speak out after Harvard University said the administration was threatening its independence.

The statement, signed by presidents from such institutions as Princeton, Brown, the University of Hawaii and Connecticut State Community College, criticized what it described as “the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education.”

“We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight,” the statement said. “However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live and work on our campuses.”

The White House did not respond to a request for comment about the statement.

Tuesday’s joint statement is the latest show of resistance from U.S. higher education leaders as the Trump administration seeks to leverage its financial heft …