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erronis

(24,587 posts)
Sun Jul 27, 2025, 09:35 AM Jul 2025

Harvard's fight is America's fight -- Sabrina Haake [View all]

https://sabrinahaake.substack.com/p/harvards-fight-is-americas-fight

. . .

The outcome of Harvard v. Trump will determine whether we still have a democracy

Harvard v. Trump asks the most fundamental questions one can ask about the relationship between the government and the governed. Under the First Amendment, can the federal government control what is taught in the classroom and what is said on campus at various universities? Can the federal government withhold federal funds if it doesn’t like what it hears, or doesn’t agree with the viewpoints expressed?

If the answer is no, then our Constitution stands. Trump will join a 249 year line-up of presidents who have to grin and bear it when students call them ugly names and protest their policies. Who knows, Trump might even someday learn why the framers made free speech and association the very first amendment to the Constitution.

But if the answer is yes, the First Amendment will fall under the Roberts court, and there’s no reason to believe any other Constitutional protection will stand. Trump will forcibly insert his right-wing ideology onto campuses, boardrooms, and legacy media nationwide. That ideology will serve a madman’s lust for power, cruelty, and revenge, and America’s democracy will conclude its beautiful if imperfect 250 year run.


Sabrina Haake is a columnist and 25+ year federal trial attorney specializing in 1st and 14th A defense. Her Substack, The Haake Take, is free.

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