Recently, our law firm filed a friend of the court brief on behalf of former government officialssupporting Harvard in its legal battle with Trump over federal funding and control of itscurriculum, hiring and admissions. We came to Harvard's defense because of the threat Trump's attack on academic freedom poses to our democracy.

Recently, our law firm filed a friend of the court brief on behalf of former government officials supporting Harvard in its legal battle with U.S. President Donald Trump over federal funding and control of its curriculum, hiring, and admissions. We came to Harvard's defense because of the threat Trump's attack on academic freedom poses to our democracy.

That case has been consolidated with another Harvard has brought to protect its right to host international students. So far Harvard has won three temporary injunctions stopping Trump in his tracks. A hearing is scheduled on July 21 to decide both cases on the merits and determine if Harvard is entitled to permanent relief.

Despite the fact it is winning, there are disturbing reports Harvard is now in talks with the White House to make a deal. That would be a grievous mistake, both as a matter of principle and common sense. And it would amount to a betrayal of those who have fearlessly stepped forward in defense of Harvard.

The point about principle should not be lost on Harvard.

Harvard's courage so far in standing up to Trump has empowered other universities and institutions to do the same. If Harvard makes a deal, it will signal weakness and others will follow.

As it well knows, Trump's actions have violated the Constitution in ways never before seen in this country. He is using the power of the federal government to force Harvard to conform to his ideological views. Democracies like ours survive only if the system of checks and balances proves it can work. With Congress in Trump's pocket, that job has fallen to the courts.

At this moment, the legal arguments in the Harvard case are framed and ready to be decided. This is the wrong moment to back out of the fight. Harvard needs to let the court rule. The legal process can and will establish the unconstitutionality of Trump's orders and how they infringe on academic freedom and First Amendment rights.

This fight is not just to save our democracy. It will determine our place in history. When future generations look back at this pivotal moment, they should understand that what Trump did was not just aberrational, it was unconstitutional. They need to understand the threat it posed to academic freedom and democracy, and how our constitutional democracy responded and prevailed.

Harvard, of all places, should understand the importance of history. Its own history is entwined with the founding of our Republic and its democratic values. Eight Harvard graduates, starting with John Adams and John Hancock, signed the Declaration of Independence. At the time of the American Revolution, Harvard was 140 years old. It dismissed........

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