The People's Pledge for American Higher Education

A Collective Call to Uphold the Promise of American Higher Education

The People's Pledge for American Higher Education

From Those Who’ve Benefited—and Who Now Stand to Uphold

This pledge comes not from institutions, but from the people whose lives have been shaped by them. It is a collective stand to defend the public promise of higher education—together.

We are students, alumni, educators, researchers, and entrepreneurs whose lives and work have been shaped by American higher education—whether through earning degrees, teaching, innovating, or leading. We know it is more than a personal achievement; it is a shared asset—a foundation for innovation, economic strength, and global progress.

Today, the institutions that fueled our growth and powered America's leadership in science, technology, and the economy face unprecedented challenges. Research is at risk. The ecosystem connecting education, research, and industry is weakening, just when global competition demands that we strengthen our position. This is not a crisis for academia alone. A strong American higher education system underpins prosperity, breakthrough science, and workforce leadership. But its impact doesn’t stop at America’s borders. The advances improve health, expand opportunity, and drive progress worldwide.

We call on all who have benefited from American higher education—students, educators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and leaders—to add their voices, regardless of where they live or work today. And we urge those with influence in industry, government, and philanthropy to advocate for these vital institutions.

We, the people, pledge to support American higher education, whose reach extends across borders and generations—fueling discovery, expanding opportunity, and advancing the common good.

By signing this pledge, we affirm that:

  • Academic freedom and institutional independence are vital to a thriving research and education ecosystem.
  • Sustained research funding is essential to American innovation, economic security, and global leadership.
  • Global talent powers discovery, entrepreneurship, and the scientific workforce that keeps America competitive.
  • Strong university–industry partnerships accelerate innovation and ensure long-term prosperity.
  • America’s future depends on renewing its public mission for higher education: advancing knowledge, opportunity, and the common good.

Together, our voices send a clear message of support to policymakers, industry leaders, and the public: American higher education, research funding, and innovation leadership are essential. We call on them to safeguard these institutions from political interference, scientific censorship, funding cuts, and the erosion of academic independence—not only as a national imperative but as a global responsibility.

Sign this pledge, add your name, and add your voice.


Petition by
Vijay Janapa Reddi
Vijay Janapa Reddi
Lexington, Massachusetts

To: A Collective Call to Uphold the Promise of American Higher Education
From: [Your Name]

As a signer of The People's Pledge for American Higher Education, I stand with thousands of others in calling for renewed commitment to the core pillars of our innovation ecosystem: research funding, global talent, academic freedom, and public-purpose education.

These values are not abstract ideals—they are the foundation of national prosperity and global leadership. We urge you to champion and protect them, and to help ensure that America’s colleges and universities continue to serve the common good.