iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/10/2026

Tell President Maurie McInnis: Defend Yale’s public mission. Email president@yale.edu. Ask her to reaffirm public service and an ethical, diverse community, protect academic freedom, and give faculty, students, staff, and New Haven residents a meaningful voice in Yale’s future. 5/5

Cream AAUP Yale graphic with an illustration of a hand pressing “Send” on a phone displaying an envelope. Heading: “Tell McInnis: Defend Yale’s public mission.” Text: “Email Yale President Maurie McInnis: president@yale.edu.” Readers are urged to ask her to reaffirm Yale’s commitment to public service and an ethical, diverse community; protect academic freedom from political interference; and ensure faculty, students, staff, and New Haven residents have a meaningful voice in shaping Yale’s future. Closing text: “And read more at bit.ly/CHE_WhatAilsHigherEd.”

0104

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/10/2026

Elite universities’ concerns cannot stand in for all of higher ed. Meaningful reform should include transparent decisions, shared governance, academic freedom, affordability, and public service. What role should faculty, students, staff, and New Haven have in shaping Yale’s future? 4/5

Cream AAUP Yale graphic with dark green text and outlined speech bubbles. Heading: “Questions for Yale. 01. What does the university owe the public?” Text: “Research and teaching are deeply connected to public life. Removing explicit language about improving the world and cultivating an ethical, diverse community raises questions about how Yale describes its responsibilities to society. What role should faculty, students, staff, and New Haven residents have in defining those responsibilities?”

Cream AAUP Yale graphic with outlined speech bubbles. Heading: “Questions for Yale. 02. Whose problems do these reports address?” Text: “Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), emphasizes that declining public trust affects colleges across the sector. Affordability, academic freedom, and governance have broad relevance. Other recommendations, including eliminating legacy admissions, apply to a narrower group of institutions. Reforms designed for wealthy research universities cannot automatically stand in for solutions across higher education.”

Cream AAUP Yale graphic with dark green text and outlined speech bubbles. Heading: “Questions for Yale. 03. What will actually change?” Text: “Rosenberg questions whether elite institutions feel much urgency to respond to declining public confidence when they continue to attract applicants and donations. He argues that economic pressures, demographic changes, and the spread of artificial intelligence are more powerful drivers of institutional change. Publishing recommendations is one step. Acting on them is another.”

Cream AAUP Yale graphic with outlined speech bubbles. Heading: “Questions for Yale. 04. What would meaningful reform look like?” Text: “Rebuilding trust should involve:” followed by four bullet points: transparent decisions and admissions practices; substantive participation by faculty, students, and staff; protection for academic freedom; attention to affordability and public service. Closing question: “How will Yale show what changed, who helped shape it, and whom those changes serve?”

284

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/10/2026

Yale removed “improving the world today” and “ethical, interdependent, and diverse community” from its core mission statement, centering research and teaching. Brian Rosenberg called the change “a retreat.” How does narrowing Yale’s stated purpose help rebuild public trust? 3/5

Cream AAUP Yale graphic with a hand holding a magnifying glass. Heading: “What changed at Yale? A narrower core mission.” Language removed from the previous statement: “improving the world today” and “ethical, interdependent, and diverse community.” Current core mission: “Yale’s core mission is to create, disseminate, and preserve knowledge through research and teaching.” Closing text: “The revised statement centers knowledge, research, and teaching while removing explicit language about broader social and community commitments.”

Cream AAUP Yale quote graphic with oversized quotation marks. Quote: “a retreat at a time when we’re not seeing a lot of profiles in courage.” Attributed to Brian Rosenberg, former president of Macalester College, quoted in The Chronicle on the proposed change to Yale’s mission. Below: “Rosenberg called changing the mission a mistake. Yale nevertheless adopted the narrower statement.”

1106

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/10/2026

“I think it’s an act of self-protection.” — Brian Rosenberg The reports respond to declining trust and federal pressure. Their priorities differ: Yale emphasizes public trust; Cornell, student needs; Vanderbilt/WashU, what its authors call politicized humanities scholarship. 2/5

Cream AAUP Yale graphic featuring a black-and-white handshake. Heading: “Why these reports, why now?” Smaller heading: “Backroom negotiations. Public distrust. Political pressure. Institutional responses.” Text: “Universities are publishing self-studies amid declining public confidence and the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape higher education. Cornell saw more than $250 million in federal research funding interrupted in 2025. Yale faces an investigation into its admissions practices.” Bold closing text: “The reports address internal problems while their institutions face external pressure.”

Cream AAUP Yale graphic with oversized quotation marks framing: “I think it’s an act of self-protection.” Attributed to Brian Rosenberg, former president of Macalester College, quoted in The Chronicle. Below: “Rosenberg sees these reports as more than exercises in reflection. They can also demonstrate that universities recognize problems and can make changes themselves—strengthening their argument for preserving institutional autonomy.”

Dark green AAUP Yale graphic with cream text. Heading: “Different reports, different priorities.” Subheading: “What do the universities think needs fixing?” Yale: “Public trust, cost, admissions transparency, and campus discourse.” Cornell: “Similar concerns, alongside student skills, experiential learning, and tensions among teaching, research, and public service.” Vanderbilt/WashU: “What the report’s authors describe as politicized scholarship in the humanities, with an emphasis on independent inquiry.” Closing text: “Their diagnoses shape the changes they recommend.”

122

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/10/2026

Higher ed under pressure: What are elite universities choosing to change? The Chronicle (@chronicle.com) examines reports from Yale, Cornell, and Vanderbilt/WashU—and whether they offer meaningful reform or institutional self-protection. bit.ly/CHE_WhatAilsHigherEd 🧵 1/5

Cream AAUP Yale graphic with dark green text and a black-and-white hand holding a magnifying glass. Heading: “Higher ed under pressure: What are elite universities choosing to change?” Text: “New reports promise to address higher education’s problems. At Yale, the response includes narrowing the university’s stated mission.” Reporting credited to Francie Diep and Annika Bereny, The Chronicle of Higher Education, September 24, 2026. A right arrow indicates more slides.

197

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 30/09/2026

Yale Daily News: “School of Medicine, Law School students share concerns on Trump talks” Medical and law students oppose a Yale settlement with the Trump administration. Medical students demand transparency and a voice in negotiations. bit.ly/YDN_Concerns

0298

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 28/09/2026

Yale Daily News: “Trustees discuss Trump negotiations, student visas in campus meetings” Trustees offered “no new details” on Yale’s DOJ talks while faculty discussed academic freedom protections. Yale needs transparency and shared governance. bit.ly/YDN_TrusteesDiscuss

0153

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 21/09/2026

Why it matters: LDF links access to medical education for Black students to better health outcomes, noting that doctors who train and practice with people from different backgrounds can communicate more effectively and make fewer mistakes. Read more: bit.ly/LDF_UrgesYale 4/4

White graphic titled “Why LDF says the stakes are high,” with a stethoscope and medical kit. Text explains that LDF links access to medical education for Black students with improved health outcomes, noting that doctors who train and practice with people from different backgrounds can communicate more effectively and make fewer mistakes. The slide links to bit.ly/LDF_UrgesYale.

0106

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 21/09/2026

The Supreme Court still permits universities to pursue diversity through lawful means. LDF warns that a broader settlement could go beyond what the law requires, restrict Yale’s authority over admissions and expose the university to further federal pressure. 3/4

Teal graphic with a faded courtroom illustration and the headline “A settlement could go beyond what the law requires.” Text explains that the Supreme Court still permits universities to pursue diversity through lawful means and that LDF warns a broader settlement could restrict Yale’s authority over admissions and expose it to further federal pressure.

12310

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 21/09/2026

The DOJ alleged Yale School of Medicine (@yaleschoolofmed.bsky.social) discriminated against white and Asian American applicants, citing admissions data and continued Black and Latino admissions after the Court’s 2023 ruling. LDF says neither establishes that Yale unlawfully considered race. 2/4

Teal graphic titled “What does the DOJ allege?” An illustration shows several hands pointing toward one person. Text explains that the DOJ accused Yale School of Medicine of discriminating against white and Asian American applicants, citing admissions data and the continued admission of Black and Latine students after the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision.

White graphic titled “What does LDF dispute?” Illustrations show a bandage and a document split in two. Text says LDF argues that the DOJ presented no direct evidence that Yale unlawfully considered race and that the continued admission of Black and Latine students does not itself prove Yale violated the law.

162

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 21/09/2026

What does the Legal Defense Fund (@legaldefensefund.bsky.social) say about Yale’s negotiations with the Department of Justice? Last month, LDF urged Yale to reject a settlement with the DOJ over allegations concerning Yale School of Medicine admissions. 🧵 1/4

AAUP Yale graphic in black, white, and teal. Large text asks, “What does the Legal Defense Fund say about Yale’s negotiations with the Department of Justice?” Below, text explains that the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), the nation’s first civil rights legal organization, urged Yale to reject a settlement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) over allegations concerning Yale School of Medicine admissions.

1199

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 18/09/2026

“Any hope for Yale’s future lies with this movement.” Yale AAUP member Gregg Gonsalves (@gregggonsalves.bsky.social) and epidemiologist (@yalesph.bsky.social) writes in Inside Higher Ed (@insidehighered.com) that Yale’s “free expression” apparatus restricts protest. Read: bit.ly/IHE_Doubleplusgood

052

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 11/09/2026

Can universities be neutral? Yale Law School professor and AAUP member Robert Post reviews Brian Soucek’s (@brsoucek.bsky.social) The Opinionated University in Academe Magazine (@academemagazine.bsky.social), exploring institutional neutrality and academic freedom. Read: bit.ly/AM_Controversy

01710

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 11/09/2026

Opposition reaches City Hall: Ward 1 Alder Elias Theodore introduced a symbolic resolution urging Yale not to reach a deal with the federal government. The proposal adds to calls for Yale to end negotiations. Read the Yale Daily News report: bit.ly/YDN_AldersCh...

0102

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 11/09/2026

The Yale College Council Senate called on Yale to end negotiations with the Trump administration, backed student and faculty protesters’ demands for governance reforms, and defended Yale’s admissions policies. Read the Yale Daily News report: bit.ly/YDN_YCCdefends

132

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 11/09/2026

Could Connecticut revoke Yale’s property tax exemption? Democratic legislators have threatened to revisit it if Yale settles with the Trump administration. The Yale Daily News examines the history and potential legal obstacles. Read the Yale Daily News report: bit.ly/YDN_RevokeTax

100

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 11/09/2026

What to know about Yale’s negotiations with the Trump administration: The Yale Daily News recaps the summer’s developments and the uncertainty surrounding federal investigations into Yale’s admissions practices as classes begin. Read the Yale Daily News report: bit.ly/YDN_WhatToKnow

121

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 02/09/2026

Photo highlights from yesterday’s Democratize Yale teach-in 💙 Students, faculty, staff, alumni & community members came together to demand a more democratic Yale and oppose a Trump settlement. 📸 Greg Pak / gregpak.photo / @gregpak.net democratizeyale.org

085

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/09/2026

Speaker 12+13: Marah Rigaud & Birikti Kahsai

020

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/09/2026

Speaker 11: Alicia Schmidt Camacho

120

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/09/2026

Speaker 10: Marisol Orihuela

110

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/09/2026

Speaker 9: Gregg Gonsalves

020

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/09/2026

Speaker 8: Roderick Ferguson

110

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/09/2026

Speaker 7: Sophia Stone

110

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/09/2026

Speaker 5: Michael Morand

110

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/09/2026

Speaker 4: Fatima El-Tayeb

110

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/09/2026

Speaker 3: Isabel Matos

110

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/09/2026

Speaker 3: Isabel Matos

000

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/09/2026

Speaker 2: Daniel Martinez HoSang

230

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/09/2026

Speaker 1: David W. Blight

030

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 01/09/2026

Want more context for today’s “Democratize Yale” teach-in? Sher Tremonte LLP’s July 7 letter, written on behalf of Yale AAUP, details serious factual, statistical, and legal deficiencies in the DOJ’s allegations against Yale. Read it: bit.ly/SherTremonteLetter

Charcoal-gray graphic. At the upper left, text reads “READ THE LETTER,” followed by “bit.ly/SherTremonteLetter.” Centered below is the first page of a July 7, 2026, Sher Tremonte LLP letter emailed to Yale President Maurie McInnis and General Counsel Alexander E. Dreier regarding the Department of Justice’s May 14, 2026 “Letter of Findings.” A curved white arrow points toward the letter. Large white text at the bottom reads: “Read the July 7 letter sent by attorneys from Sher Tremonte LLP, representing Yale AAUP, to President Maurie McInnis and Yale General Counsel Alexander Dreier. The letter details the serious factual, statistical, and legal deficiencies in the Department of Justice’s allegations against Yale.”

03312

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 31/08/2026

Democratize Yale! Join students, faculty, alumni, and community members for a teach-in on academic freedom, shared governance, free expression, and Yale’s autonomy from unlawful federal coercion. 📍 Yale Cross Campus 🗓 TOMORROW: Sept. 1 🕜 1:30 PM #AcademicFreedom #DemocracyAtYale #YaleIsNotForSale

Dark blue event poster with a light-blue collage featuring a large lipstick, flowers, Yale architecture, and archival-style images of student and worker demonstrations. Large white text reads “DEMOCRATIZE YALE,” followed by “a faculty & student teach-in.” At the bottom: “SEP. 1, 1:30PM · CROSS CAMPUS.”

Dark blue event poster reading, “FOR DIVERSITY, FREE EXPRESSION, SHARED GOVERNANCE, AND ACADEMIC FREEDOM.” Featured speakers are David W. Blight, Sterling Professor of History and Black Studies and 2019 Pulitzer Prize winner for History; Daniel Martinez HoSang, Professor of American Studies and Yale AAUP President; Gregg Gonsalves ’11 ’17 Ph.D., Professor of Epidemiology (Microbial Diseases) and 2018 MacArthur Fellow; Susan Choi ’90, 2019 National Book Award winner; Alex W. Chen ’28, President of the Yale College Council; Isabel Matos ’28, Endowment Justice Collective organizer; and Marah Rigaud ’28, President of the Black Student Alliance at Yale, plus more. The poster also notes an appearance by Sam Waterston ’62, Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor. Bottom text reads: “SEP. 1, 1:30PM · CROSS CAMPUS.”

04010

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 27/08/2026

In the August issue of Critical Noise, Yale professor and AAUP Yale member Roderick A. Ferguson warns that supposedly neutral calls to restore academic standards can enable right-wing attacks on critical scholarship and university independence. Read Dr. Ferguson's piece at: bit.ly/CN_Vanderbilt

White vertical graphic with large black serif text at the upper left reading “new article.” At the upper right, bold text reads “August 2026 issue of Critical Noise.” Below, text reads “By AAUP Yale chapter member Roderick A. Ferguson.” An image of the article webpage shows the title “Tragedy at Vanderbilt,” Ferguson’s name, and the opening paragraph. A black arrow points toward the article. At the bottom left, text reads “Read here: bit.ly/CN_Vanderbilt.”

043

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 25/08/2026

Add your name and tell President McInnis: Stop negotiating and stand up for Yale’s students, faculty, and academic freedom. ✍️ Sign Indivisible’s petition: yaledontcave.com 4/5

White graphic with very large black text reading, “Tell Yale: Don’t Cave to Trump.” Smaller text reads: “Sign the petition today to demand that Yale stand up for its students and faculty.” To the right are two three-dimensional blocks reading “Act Now,” with “Act” in white on a red block and “Now” in white on a black block. A black banner across the bottom displays YaleDontCave.com in large white letters.

1113

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 25/08/2026

“If Yale caves to Trump’s attacks, it will only embolden further efforts to undermine universities across the country to consolidate power.” —Leah Greenberg, Indivisible Students, faculty, staff, alumni, elected officials and national organizations are speaking out. 3/5

White graphic headed “If Yale caves…” in very large black letters. A quotation reads: “If Yale caves to Trump’s attacks, it will only embolden further efforts to undermine universities across the country to consolidate power.” The quotation is attributed to Leah Greenberg of Indivisible. Below, a gray line drawing shows a person raising one fist and speaking through a yellow megaphone. Large text reads, “The chorus is growing.” Smaller text reads: “Students. Faculty. Staff. Alumni. Elected officials. National organizations. Across Yale and beyond, people are demanding that the University defend its community and its independence.”

2289

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 25/08/2026

Why now? Yale is negotiating with the Department of Justice over investigations into its admissions practices—and has reportedly submitted at least two settlement proposals. Academic freedom and university independence cannot be negotiated away under political pressure. 2/5

White graphic with two underlined headings. Under “What’s going on?” the text reads: “On August 10, Indivisible Civics launched two digital billboards near New Haven urging Yale’s leadership not to yield to political pressure from the Trump administration.” Under “Why now?” the text reads: “Because Yale is negotiating with the Department of Justice over investigations into its admissions practices—and has reportedly submitted at least two settlement proposals.” At the bottom, a billboard mockup styled as a graded paper reads, “Yale is failing intro to ethics by cutting a deal with Trump,” with a red underline, a circled red F, and YaleDontCave.com. Mockup credited to Indivisible Civics.

White graphic headed “The Stakes” in very large black letters. Text reads: “A concession by Yale could embolden further attacks on colleges and universities across the country—and leave Yale with failing grades when it comes to…” Below is a large, hand-drawn red F enclosed by two red circles. Four phrases surround it: “University independence,” “Academic freedom,” “Free speech,” and “Diversity in higher education.”

193

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 25/08/2026

Stuck in New Haven rush-hour traffic? At least there’s something worth reading along the way. 👀 Two 48-foot billboards sponsored by Indivisible Civics along I-91 and I-95 read: “Yale is failing intro to ethics by cutting a deal with Trump.” 🧵 1/5

White graphic with the text, “Two 48-foot billboards along I-91 and I-95 read…” followed by very large black letters: “Yale: Don’t Cave.” Below, text reads, “Indivisible takes the campaign to New Haven.” A photograph shows one of the digital billboards partially obscured by tree branches. The billboard says Yale is “failing intro to ethics by cutting a deal with Trump” and includes a circled red F and YaleDontCave.com. Photo credited to Gregg Gonsalves via Yale Daily News.

22614

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 13/08/2026

These issues may guide our work right now, but an organized chapter allows us to respond quickly and effectively as new challenges arise. As an active member, you can help shape what we take on and how we respond. Join. Subscribe. Get involved: aaupyale.org 4/4

Text graphic on a textured white background reads, “Don’t see anything that resonates? Your voice matters!” A hand holds a black-and-white megaphone. Below, text explains that active members can help shape the chapter’s priorities and responses to new challenges.

010

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 13/08/2026

AAUP Yale is also organizing to confront federal interference in research and teaching; shape Yale’s relationship with New Haven and Connecticut; respond to broader trends in higher education; and defend scholarship’s value to the public good. 3/4

Text graphic headed “FEDERAL INTERFERENCE.” Text reads, “We must be ready to defend research, teaching, and academic freedom from future federal restrictions on funding and pedagogy.” Red text directs viewers to AAUPYALE.ORG/JOIN-US.

Text graphic headed “YALE’S ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY.” Text reads, “Faculty should help shape, not hinder, Yale’s relationship with New Haven and communities across Connecticut.” Red text directs viewers to AAUPYALE.ORG/JOIN-US.

Text graphic headed “THE FUTURE OF HIGHER ED.” Text reads, “What happens at Yale both reflects and shapes broader trends affecting colleges and universities nationwide.” Red text directs viewers to AAUPYALE.ORG/JOIN-US.

Text graphic headed “THE PUBLIC GOOD.” Text reads, “Higher education and scholarship should serve the public good—and we must make the case for why they matter.” Red text directs viewers to AAUPYALE.ORG/JOIN-US.

120

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 13/08/2026

Faculty and instructional staff deserve meaningful protections for exercising free speech and freedom from administrative surveillance and punitive action. We also need transparency and equity around pay and service—and a meaningful voice in university governance. 2/4

Text graphic headed “FREE SPEECH.” Text reads, “Free speech only matters when faculty and instructional staff have meaningful protections for exercising it.” Red text directs viewers to AAUPYALE.ORG/JOIN-US.

Text graphic headed “FREEDOM FROM RETALIATION.” Text reads, “Faculty and instructional staff deserve protection from administrative surveillance and punitive action.” Red text directs viewers to AAUPYALE.ORG/JOIN-US.

Text graphic headed “PAY EQUITY.” Text reads, “Yale should ensure transparency and equity in salaries, workloads, and service expectations.” Red text directs viewers to AAUPYALE.ORG/JOIN-US.

Text graphic headed “FACULTY GOVERNANCE.” Text reads, “Faculty must have a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape the university.” Red text directs viewers to AAUPYALE.ORG/JOIN-US.

100

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 13/08/2026

Is becoming a member of AAUP Yale worth it? If you want a voice in the issues shaping your work, your university, and the future of higher education, the answer may be yes. Follow this thread for some of the issues guiding our work—and how you can help shape it. 🧵 1/4

144

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 07/08/2026

AAUP Yale is calling on Yale to reject political interference, defend shared governance, disclose what is being demanded in negotiations, and adopt binding protections for academic freedom. Academic freedom must be explicit, durable, and enforceable. ✊ aaupyale.org #AAUP #AcademicFreedom

Call-to-action graphic on an off-white background. Large black headline reads, “Now, tell Yale to act.” AAUP Yale calls on the University to reject political interference in academic policy; require the federal government to make its case through formal legal process, not private bargaining; defend institutional independence and shared governance; tell the Yale community what has been demanded and what Yale is considering; and adopt binding academic-freedom and governance protections. A bright yellow, purple, and orange graphic reads “Act now” above a pointing hand. Beside it, bold text says, “Email President McInnis,” followed by “president@yale.edu.” Additional text asks readers to copy their academic dean and urge Yale to stand firm against political coercion, disclose the scope of negotiations, and protect faculty governance and academic freedom. Bottom text reads, “Read the letter. Take action. Learn more through the link in our bio.”

0217

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 07/08/2026

And this is about more than one settlement. The letter asks whether Yale has faced demands involving faculty hiring, academic programs, and other university policies—and whether those demands were tied to federal funding or enforcement threats. That is an academic freedom issue.

Text graphic on an off-white background. Large black headline reads, “This is about more than one settlement.” Beneath it is a photograph of a Yale building behind a person holding a protest sign reading “Hands off.” Text explains that the congressional letter asks whether Yale has faced demands involving faculty hiring, academic programs, and other university policies, and whether those demands were tied to federal funding or enforcement threats. It asks, “Who decides what a university teaches, studies, researches, and values?” A red-outlined box at the bottom reads, “Academic decisions should be governed by scholarly expertise, evidence, and shared governance—not political threats or financial coercion.”

Text graphic on an off-white background. Large black headline reads, “This is why enforceable protections matter.” Text explains that the letter asks whether Yale has already made policy or personnel changes in anticipation of federal investigation or directly in response to Administration demands. AAUP Yale calls for binding protections for research and publication, classroom teaching, public expression, faculty participation in governance, and institutional independence. A black line drawing of a formal document and stamp appears beside the list. Text states, “Academic freedom cannot safely depend on informal promises or the goodwill of current university leaders.” Red emphasis reads, “It must be explicit, durable, and binding.” Final text says aspirational protections can fail precisely when political and financial pressure is greatest.

194

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 07/08/2026

Resistance is possible. Blumenthal and DeLauro point to Harvard’s decision to fight federal pressure, arguing that standing up to government overreach sends an important signal to every institution that might be targeted next. Yale has a choice.

Text graphic on an off-white background. Large black headline reads, “Yale has a choice.” Smaller text states, “Blumenthal and DeLauro point to Harvard as evidence that universities resisting federal pressure matters beyond a single institution.” A large pull quote reads, “Harvard’s ultimate decision to fight similar claims—even when faced with aggressive threats to its research funding demonstrates that rejecting such abusive government overreach is not only possible but sends an important signal to others that might be targeted.” Attribution: “Sen. Richard Blumenthal & Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, August 6, 2026.” Large red text reads, “Yale’s response will help set a precedent for what comes next.”

121

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 07/08/2026

They also warn that a Yale settlement would send a dangerous signal far beyond New Haven: “Acquiescing to a bully does not make that bully go away, it encourages them to come back for more…” Political coercion cannot become a model for governing higher education.

Text graphic on an off-white background. Large black headline reads, “A settlement signals that the pressure works.” Smaller text states, “The letter argues that Yale would be teaching the Administration that threats to universities can produce concessions.” A large pull quote reads, “Acquiescing to a bully does not make that bully go away, it encourages them to come back for more…” Attribution: “Sen. Richard Blumenthal & Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, August 6, 2026.” Large red text at the bottom reads, “Political coercion should not become a model for governing higher education.”

142

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 07/08/2026

Their warning is clear: negotiating under political pressure risks sacrificing the very independence Yale claims to defend. “Capitulating at this critical moment would be a retreat from Yale’s independence…”

Text graphic on an off-white background. Large black headline reads, “The warning could not be clearer.” Smaller text states, “Blumenthal and DeLauro warn that negotiating under political pressure risks sacrificing the very independence Yale claims to defend.” A large pull quote reads, “Capitulating at this critical moment would be a retreat from Yale’s independence as a deeply respected educational institution…” Attribution: “Sen. Richard Blumenthal & Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, August 6, 2026.” Large red text at the bottom reads, “Yale’s independence matters most when it is tested.”

152

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 07/08/2026

📣 NEW: Sen. Richard Blumenthal (@blumenthal.senate.gov) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (@delauro.house.gov) are urging Yale to resist a settlement with the Trump Administration and fight what they call a “toxic, politicized enforcement action.” Read their Aug. 6 letter: bit.ly/Aug6Letter

Newspaper-style graphic on an off-white background headed “Academic Freedom Dispatch.” Large black headline reads, “Blumenthal & DeLauro tell Yale to take a stand.” Text explains that in an August 6 letter, Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Rosa DeLauro urged Yale to resist a settlement with the Trump Administration and fight what they call a “toxic, politicized enforcement action.” Below is an image of the first page of their congressional letter. Large red text beside it reads, “Read more,” with a right-pointing arrow. Caption: “Sen. Richard Blumenthal & Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro · August 6, 2026.”

1258

Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 05/08/2026

Researchers, postdoctoral fellows, librarians, archivists, technicians whose work contributes to teaching, and instructional staff represented by Yale unions may also participate. Learn more and get involved: aaupyale.org/join-us/ @aaup.org

Text graphic on a light gray background. Large black heading reads, “Researchers + Postdocs.” Centered text states, “We welcome researchers and postdocs across every Yale school and discipline.” A red call to action reads, “Become a member today: aaupyale.org/join-us.”

Text graphic on a light gray background. Large black heading reads, “Librarians, Archivists + Technicians.” Centered text states, “You are eligible if your work contributes to teaching and scholarship.” A red call to action reads, “Become a member today: aaupyale.org/join-us.”

Text graphic on a textured white background. Large black text asks, “Already in a Yale Union?” Dark gray text responds, “Don’t worry—you can still join!” Smaller text explains that the national AAUP asks eligible instructional staff to join their bargaining unit first and then apply for AAUP membership. A black line drawing depicts a person thinking.

1103