Thank you for being part of Stand Up for Princeton, which encourages alumni, faculty, students, and friends to make their voices heard in support of higher education during this challenging period.
Princeton Reunions kicks off tomorrow! If you are joining us on campus, keep an eye out for Stand Up buttons and P-rade signs.
In this issue, we encourage you to share your support for Princeton and American higher education through an op-ed in your local or regional newspaper. But first, here’s what some of your fellow Princetonians are saying about the Stand Up initiative:
What we’re hearing
- Princeton’s commitment to education and to creating alumni in service to the nation and the world is why I have an unbroken record of Annual Giving since graduation. I believe in the mission. — Anne Linton Cortez ’86 | LinkedIn
- Higher education is important for the strength of the US — both its economy and democracy. And it’s long been a force for global good, bringing brilliant minds from around the world to collaborate, make discoveries and carry knowledge back out into the world. Proud to see Princeton University standing up! — Trisha Craig | LinkedIn
- I’m proud to be an alumna of Princeton University, one of the leaders in rising to this moment in defense of education, science, and democracy. Seeing Princeton stand up for its values makes me want to continue to support the university in any way I can. — Lorena Grundy ’17 | LinkedIn
Submit an op-ed to your local news outlet
Local and regional newspapers are closely read by many of your neighbors — and by members of Congress and their staffs. That makes them a great place to make the case for federal support of higher education. Consider writing a short column about how higher education has made a difference in your life and benefits your entire community.
Need inspiration?
Read the op-ed by Gene Jarrett ’97, dean of the faculty, who recently wrote an impassioned and data-rich piece for The Hill, “Defunding the NEH threatens more than just the humanities.” Another excellent example comes to us from Princeton graduate student Steven Mesquiti, published in the San Antonio Express-News: “Federal research funding cuts will stall scientific progress, hurt Texas students.”
Ready to write?
The Op-Ed Project has great resources for how to successfully write and pitch a column for publication. And remember, the Stand Up site has background information on key issues, including academic freedom and free speech, federal research funding , university endowments, and financial aid.
Got published?
We can’t wait to read your piece! Send a link to standup@princeton.edu.
Support students and research
Give now to participate in the 2025 Annual Giving campaign. With many of our grants suspended or under threat, the University will need to draw even more heavily on Annual Giving and other sources. Support is always welcome, and every gift counts.
Speak out against and endowment tax increase
Efforts in Washington to increase the tax on endowments at Princeton and many of America’s other leading colleges and universities continue. Endowments power everything we do here at Princeton, from the groundbreaking financial aid program to our world-leading research enterprise. We need your help to ensure key lawmakers understand why they should oppose this tax increase.
What is happening?
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on legislation this week that would significantly increase the endowment tax, including an unprecedented 21 percent excise tax on Princeton’s endowment.
What can I do?
Reach out to your Member of Congress (you can find your representative here) and let them know that you oppose an increase to the endowment tax. Please consider calling their office, which is often more effective than an email.
Why we’re standing up
- 9 Federally Funded Scientific Breakthroughs That Changed Everything (The New York Times)
The U.S. is slashing funding for scientific research, after decades of deep investment. Here’s some of what those taxpayer dollars created. - What Donald Trump’s science funding cuts mean for young researchers (WAMU)
Graduate students and young researchers are grappling with the impact of funding cuts and other threats to research.
Tell us how you’re standing up!
Share your success stories with us and we’ll feature them in future editions of this newsletter. Email us at standup@princeton.edu
Help us spread the word
Encourage friends to also Stand Up for Princeton and higher education!
Not subscribed yet?
Sign up to receive updates in your inbox, with information and suggestions about how to get involved.