Trump’s version of “viewpoint diversity” is a call to erode diversity efforts and censor those who challenge his policies and beliefs. Harvard’s administrators have shown commendable resolve in resisting his attacks, scoring tactical victories in court that have kept some of his authoritarian measures at bay. But recent reporting by the New York Times raises a troubling prospect: The university may at least partially capitulate to president’s demands.

U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to bully Harvard University into submission. Under the guise of promoting “ viewpoint diversity ,” his administration has canceled all of the university’s federal grants and attempted to bar it from hosting international students.

U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to bully Harvard University into submission. Under the guise of promoting “viewpoint diversity,” his administration has canceled all of the university’s federal grants and attempted to bar it from hosting international students.

Trump’s version of “viewpoint diversity” is a call to erode diversity efforts and censor those who challenge his policies and beliefs. Harvard’s administrators have shown commendable resolve in resisting his attacks, scoring tactical victories in court that have kept some of his authoritarian measures at bay. But recent reporting by the New York Times raises a troubling prospect: The university may at least partially capitulate to president’s demands.

If Harvard is to remain committed to its principles, it cannot yield to the Trump administration. The university must be prepared to face the costs that such courage entails.

We have worked as professors in Hungary and Poland, two countries that also face authoritarian populism.