Multiple university presidents in Illinois sign letter criticizing federal 'government overreach'

(WAND) — On Tuesday, a letter was released by the American Association of Colleges and Universities citing concerns regarding "government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education."

The letter was co-signed by over 150 university and college presidents, including:

Jay D. Gatrell, President, Eastern Illinois University
Aondover Tarhule, President, Illinois State University
Lisa C. Freeman, President, Northern Illinois University
Daniel Mahony, President, Southern Illinois University

The letter cites the importance of higher education to American prosperity and common good.

And while the presidents are "open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight, they dispute "undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses."

Over the past month, the Trump administration has paused billions of dollars to universities in an effort to change admissions policies, diversity efforts, and campus activism.

On Monday, Harvard University said it had filed suit to halt a freeze of more than $2.2 billion in grants. Harvard President Alan M. Garber is one of the co-signers on the letter.

"The price of abridging the defining freedoms of American higher education will be paid by our students and our society. On behalf of our current and future students, and all who work at and benefit from our institutions, we call for constructive engagement that improves our institutions and serves our republic."

The full letter and list of co-signers can be found here.