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Alongside academic leaders from across the country, Rollins President Grant Cornwell has signed a statement, released yesterday by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), in response to ongoing actions by the federal government affecting higher education.

Titled “A Call for Constructive Engagement,” the statement marks the first time current college and university presidents have spoken out collectively in large numbers about these issues, noting “we speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education.”

The statement makes clear what’s at stake—for higher education and for America’s shared prosperity—in any unraveling of the long-standing, productive partnership between government and institutions of higher learning. While the academic leaders “are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight,” they also make clear that they will stand against attempts to restrict or undermine the freedoms fundamental to higher education.

“I have signed this letter to take a stance defending the integrity of American higher education,” says Cornwell. “I join with peer institutions across the country to bring these urgent issues to the forefront. It is vital that we collectively stand up for the principles essential to our missions.”

For additional details regarding the statement, read this recent article from The Chronicle of Higher Education.