To President Mung Chiang and the Office of the President,

We, the undersigned students, faculty, staff, and members of the Purdue University community, are deeply concerned about the escalating rise of fascism and authoritarian practices, including recent actions that have resulted in the unjust revocation of visas for Purdue students. This alarming trend threatens not only our fellow Boilermakers but also the fundamental values of academic freedom, diversity, and inclusivity upon which Purdue was founded.

Across the nation, universities have recognized their responsibility to actively oppose fascism, protect academic freedom, and safeguard their students and faculty from unjust governmental overreach. Institutions like Harvard and MIT alongside students at Michigan State University have courageously voiced their commitment to defend their communities against policies that compromise individual freedoms and institutional independence. It is essential that Purdue University publicly aligns itself with these values and unequivocally stands against the erosion of democratic principles.

We urge President Chiang and Purdue leadership to:

• Publicly denounce actions that unjustly target students, faculty, and staff based on nationality, race, ethnicity, or ideological viewpoints.
• Protect Purdue’s international students, faculty, and community members whose educational pursuits and careers are threatened by visa revocations and similar measures.
• Reaffirm Purdue's commitment to academic freedom, open inquiry, and respect for diversity of thought, ensuring these principles are not compromised by external political pressures.
• Engage transparently with the Purdue community on these critical issues, demonstrating leadership that prioritizes our collective welfare and democratic values.

Now is the time for Purdue University to demonstrate its dedication to the values of freedom, openness, and justice. Silence or neutrality in the face of authoritarianism is unacceptable. Our university has a moral and civic responsibility to protect its community members and uphold the principles upon which our institution thrives.

Together, let us affirm that Purdue will stand firmly on the right side of history.

Respectfully,

The Purdue Community

Boiler Up, Hammer Down