We are alumni of Yale University, who owe much to the values that Yale taught us: the importance of fiercely independent inquiry, fearless ingenuity, and devoted community.

Now, those values are being tested. American universities are facing extraordinary attacks from the Trump administration that threaten the bedrock principles of a democratic society, including rights of free expression, association, and academic freedom. Drawing on Yale’s storied traditions, we must uphold the values of lux et veritas — light and truth.

More than 7,000 alumni — spanning decades and representing every school on campus — have joined together to urge Yale’s leaders to stand up to the Trump administration’s unlawful demands, protect its students and scholars, and — critically — lead a collective effort among colleges and universities to defend cherished American values.

• The Stand Up for Yale letter echoes the calls made by more than 1,000 Yale faculty to protect the institution and its students and scholars, and to collaborate with other institutions to defend academic freedom. 

• The Yale Alumni Open Letter specifically calls on the University to lead a collective response from colleges and universities to resist the administration’s threats.