President Carol Folt chose not to sign an open statement released Tuesday by the American Association of Colleges and Universities rejecting the “coercive use of public research funding” from the Trump administration. As of publication, well over 200 university presidents and chancellors have signed the letter.  

In a statement to the Daily Trojan, Folt wrote that she “rarely” signs open letters, but “deeply respect[s]” the University leaders who did and did not sign the AACU statement. 

“My approach is to continue working with state and federal legislators and collaborating with institutions nationwide on a number of fronts, to ensure the continuation of vital research, healthcare, and educational programs that enrich our world,” Folt’s statement read. “Our commitment remains unwavering.”

The AACU statement was originally published with 80 signatures from university leaders Tuesday. As of Thursday night, more than 100 signatures from university leaders have been added. The statement has garnered over 400 signatures including leaders from California colleges like UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Berkeley, Cal State Long Beach and Cal State Fullerton, with college and scholarly society leaders also signing the statement. 

The AACU statement read that U.S. institutions of higher learning have a shared value that allows for the exchange of ideas and opinions “without fear of retribution, censorship, or deportation.” 

“As leaders of America’s colleges, universities, and scholarly societies, we speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education,” the statement read. “We must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses.” 

President Donald Trump’s recent moves affecting higher education include attempts to dismantle the Department of Education, targeting diversity, equity and inclusion-related programs and caps on the National Institutes of Health’s funding for research.