A steadfast light: Moral courage in a time of constitutional crisis
We stand at a crossroads. The deportation of an innocent Maryland man, detained without evidence, deprived due process, and now languishing in a Salvadoran prison, starkly illustrates the erosion of our democratic norms. Despite a Supreme Court order, the executive branch has refused to act, creating a constitutional crisis that demands our attention. This isn't just a legal battle; it's a test of our collective resolve, a call for adaptive leadership in the face of unprecedented challenges.
The assault extends beyond individual cases. Law firms, threatened with the loss of crucial security clearances, are being pressured into pro bono service, effectively silencing potential legal challenges. Elite universities face the loss of tax-exempt status, federal research funding, and academic freedom, while their foreign students are threatened with deportation. Even the Federal Reserve is under attack, with the President using social media to call for the termination of chairman Jerome Powell. These are not isolated incidents; they are calculated moves that undermine the foundations of our democracy.
As Anne Applebaum and Masha Gessen write, these actions echo the playbook of rising autocratic leaders. The system of checks and balances, the bedrock of our republic, is under siege. So, how do purpose-driven leaders find the courage to act authentically in these turbulent times, when the very institutions we rely on are under threat?
Here’s an example of adaptive leadership in action from this week. Harvard President Alan Garber's letter to the Harvard Community, in response to the Executive branch's recent demands, offers a powerful illustration of moral courage in action.
“No government—regardless of which party is in power—should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue”
Let’s look closer at how President Garber’s letter can serve as inspiration for all of us looking for moral courage in this moment:
⚓️ Anchored in Values:
Garber explicitly states, "We have informed the administration through our legal counsel that we will not accept their proposed agreement. The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights." This is a clear and unequivocal refusal to comply with demands he believes are unlawful and unethical.
He asserts Harvard's commitment to its core values, particularly "Veritas" (truth), and its dedication to academic freedom. This shows a willingness to prioritize principles over potential repercussions.
🛡️ Defense of Institutional Autonomy:
He argues that the administration's demands "go beyond the power of the federal government" and "violate Harvard's First Amendment rights." This is a direct challenge to the government's overreach and a defense of the university's right to self-governance.
Garber emphasizes that "No government—regardless of which party is in power—should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue." This leaves no doubt about Harvard's independent stance.
🪟 Leverage Transparency to build Community:
President Garber encourages the Harvard community to "read the letter" to understand the "unprecedented demands" being made. His transparency fosters trust and unity within the university.
He clearly states the university's position, and the reasons for that position--making plain the reasoning behind his argument.
⚖️ Balancing Principles and Action:
While firmly rejecting the government's demands, Garber also reiterates Harvard's commitment to combating antisemitism. This demonstrates a willingness to address legitimate concerns while safeguarding fundamental principles of human dignity.
He reaffirms the university's commitment to follow the law, and that they will continue to comply with the previous court decision under Students For Fair Admissions v. Harvard, as it relates to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
🌱 Focus on the Greater Good:
Garber highlights the vital role of universities in advancing knowledge and innovation, emphasizing the potential harm to society if these partnerships are disrupted. It is backed up with a website showing the value delivered by Harvard researchers in a variety of health-related fields. This frames the issue as not just a matter of institutional autonomy but also a matter of public interest.
Garber closes the letter with a focus on the "enduring promise that America’s colleges and universities hold for our country and our world." His message inspires the reader and reinforces the importance of defending academic freedom.
How do We Find Moral Courage in the Face of Fear?
The current climate breeds fear. Fear of financial ruin, of legal retaliation, of losing everything we’ve worked for. But true leadership isn’t about avoiding fear; it’s about acting in spite of it.
Anchor in Your Values:
In times of uncertainty, your core values are your compass. Revisit them. Write them down. Share them with your team. Let them guide your decisions.
Ask yourself: What principles are non-negotiable? What legacy do I want to leave?
Cultivate a Community of Support:
You are not alone. Seek out like-minded individuals and organizations. Build alliances. Share your concerns and strategies.
Create safe spaces for dialogue and collaboration. Strength lies in unity.
Embrace Adaptive Leadership:
This is not a problem with a simple solution. It requires adaptive leadership—the ability to experiment, learn, and evolve.
Be willing to challenge the status quo. Encourage diverse perspectives. Foster a culture of innovation and resilience on your team, in your office, in your organization.
Speak Truth to Power:
Silence is complicity. Find your voice. Use it to advocate for justice and accountability.
Support people working to protect our democracy (e.g. journalists, activists, thought leaders) by amplifying their voices or contributing to their work.
Focus on Local Action:
If the national stage seems overwhelming, remember that change often begins at the local level.
Support community initiatives, engage in civic discourse, and hold local officials accountable.
Build New Capacities:
This is a time to learn, to grow, and to build new tools for organizing resistance.
Study history, learn from other movements, and experiment with new forms of civic engagement.
Determine how your organization's unique capabilities might address this moment.
Preserve Hope:
Despair is a powerful weapon of authoritarianism. Cultivate hope by focusing on the resilience of the human spirit.
Celebrate small victories. Remember that even in the darkest of times, change is possible.
This is not a time for complacency. The challenges we face demand courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to our democratic values. As purpose-driven leaders, we must rise to the occasion, not just for ourselves, but for future generations.
Remember that our democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires active participation, vigilance, and a willingness to stand up for what is right. We can find the moral courage to navigate this storm and emerge stronger, more united, and more committed to the principles that define us.
The fight to preserve our democracy is a marathon, not a sprint. I hope that we can support each other, learn from each other, and work together to build a future where justice and freedom prevail.
Where are you finding moral courage right now? Contact us for information about how we can support you and your team.