Harvard shows resistance is possible. But universities must join forces | Jan-Werner Müller

Far too many academics are repeating propaganda about a free speech crisis'. It's time for a shared strategy

Harvard is refusing the plainly illegal demands by the Trump administration. That sends an important signal: resistance is possible.

But universities must realize that the government is adopting a divide-and-rule tactic: they should collaborate on a shared litigation strategy, take a common approach in getting the public on their side, and do everything possible to have Congress push back against Trump treating money allocated by the legislature as if it were a private slush fund to be used for political blackmail. Some faculty have already begun to unite. In principle, not just progressives, but self-respecting conservatives - if any remain - should be responsive to such a three-pronged strategy.