An Open Letter to Duke University President Vincent Price
From concerned Duke alumni, united as Duke REACT
President Price,
We write to express deep concern about the Trump administration’s escalating attacks on American educational institutions—and to urge you to speak publicly and unequivocally in solidarity with Harvard University.
We recognize that doing so is not without risk. Speaking out may invite criticism from President Trump, his supporters, and even some members of our own community. But the values we learned at Duke demand courage in moments like this.
As students, we were taught to be Leaders of Consequence. That phrase wasn’t just a motto—it was a call to action. It still appears on the university’s website, in its communications, and throughout the Duke alumni network. Now is the time to live up to it.
We ask you to stand with Harvard. Do it publicly. Do it proudly. Because if we stay silent, these attacks will not end with one institution. The erosion of academic freedom, political retaliation against universities, and threats to open inquiry are growing—and they won’t stop unless we push back, together.
This moment requires moral clarity and institutional courage. Duke has long been a leader in American higher education. Please use that position to lead now.
Respectfully,
Duke University Alumni
On behalf of Duke REACT – Resisting Erosion of Academic Courage and Truth
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