Why College Presidents Must Lead a Collective Response to Political Threats Against Higher Education

As the political landscape around higher education becomes more charged, the role of the college president is evolving. No longer is leadership confined to campus operations and academic vision—it now requires an active stance in defending institutional autonomy and academic freedom from increasing political intrusion.

In recent months, the federal government under renewed Trump-aligned influence has ramped up efforts to reshape higher education policies, particularly targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, admissions practices, and even specific academic departments. What’s unfolding is not just a policy disagreement—it’s an existential test for colleges and universities across the country, especially those without the financial or legal resources of elite institutions.

Harvard Takes a Stand—With Consequences

Earlier this year, Harvard University made headlines when it publicly refused to comply with the federal government’s demands to revise or dismantle aspects of its DEI programming and race-conscious administrative practices. In response, the government suspended over $2.2 billion in federal research grants—a move that sent shockwaves through the academic community.

Harvard’s refusal wasn’t just a show of principle—it was a declaration that academic independence is not for sale. While few institutions have the financial depth to withstand a multi-billion-dollar funding freeze, Harvard’s defiance serves as a powerful example of institutional courage. And perhaps more importantly, it signals to other institutions—large and small—that pushback is possible.

Smaller Institutions Cannot Afford Isolation

While Harvard can absorb the financial hit and fight legal battles from a position of strength, most smaller colleges and universities cannot. Many already face declining enrollment, increasing tuition pressure, and shrinking state and federal support. The threat of losing federal funding or being targeted by political investigations could be enough to force some institutions into quiet compliance, even when it conflicts with their mission and values.

This is why collective action is essential.

Presidential Leadership in a Time of Political Pressure

Presidents of small and mid-sized colleges must begin preparing now for what could become an era of sustained federal pressure. Rather than waiting for political winds to shift or hoping to avoid scrutiny, leaders must take proactive steps to protect their institutions, and the principles of higher education itself.

Here are three specific ways to begin:

1. Build and Strengthen Inter-Institutional Coalitions

Presidents should forge formal alliances, based on geography, mission, or institutional type, to share strategies, coordinate policy responses, and provide a unified voice when responding to federal directives. These coalitions can collectively develop legal frameworks, issue joint public statements, and support member institutions facing political or legal challenges.

2. Establish a Shared Legal Defense Fund

A key vulnerability for smaller colleges is legal capacity. By pooling resources into a joint legal defense fund, schools can ensure access to expert counsel without depleting individual budgets. This kind of mutual support mechanism is crucial when facing politically motivated investigations or compliance actions.

3. Launch a Coordinated Advocacy and Communications Effort

Silence is not neutrality—it can be interpreted as agreement. Colleges must clearly and consistently advocate for their values. A coordinated national or regional campaign can help educate the public, legislators, and alumni about the importance of academic freedom, the legitimacy of DEI efforts, and the risks of federal overreach. Even institutions that aren't currently under fire must contribute to this collective narrative.

Learning from Harvard—Without Being Harvard

Harvard’s example demonstrates that it is possible to say no—and that such defiance, while costly, may be necessary to uphold academic principles. Smaller colleges must adapt this courage to their own contexts. That means standing together, speaking with clarity, and preparing now for the legal, financial, and reputational risks ahead.

Presidents cannot afford to wait until their institution is under investigation or has funding suspended. The time to act is now—and it starts by reaching out to peer institutions, forming strategic alliances, and publicly affirming what we know to be true: that colleges and universities must retain the freedom to teach, admit, and govern in accordance with their missions and values.

At KDM Advisors, we partner with presidents, boards, and senior leadership teams to address the most pressing strategic challenges facing higher education. In a time of rising political risk, we help institutions protect their mission, enhance resilience, and build collaborative strategies for long-term success.

To learn more about how we can support your institution, visit www.kdmadvisors.net.

Kenneth Maher is a principal at KDM Advisors, LLC, which partners with higher education leaders to develop long-term, sustainable business models that ensure financial stability and faculty and staff engagement. You can reach Ken directly at kmaher@kdmadvisors.com