The counter-move comes after Harvard University sued the Trump administration, which ordered the freezing of state grants exceeding two billion dollars to universities.
"We speak with a common voice against the government's unprecedented overreach and political interference, which now threatens American higher education," the letter states.
Furthermore, the universities are open to reform and do not oppose state supervision.
"However, we must oppose an unjustified state intrusion."
The conflict between Harvard and the President has been ongoing for weeks. It escalated when the university refused to comply with a list it received with demands that would force the top university to conform to the government's policy.
The Trump administration demands, among other things, that universities in the USA cease investments in diversity, justice, and inclusion programs – so-called DEI programs – and prohibit masking during demonstrations on university premises.
Since then, Donald Trump has repeatedly openly directed harsh criticism towards the university. In addition to the frozen billions (equivalent to approximately 21 billion kronor), he has also threatened to revoke the university's tax-exempt status.
