Steve Kerr defends Harvard against Trump’s attack on academic freedom

Warriors coach Steve Kerr applauds Harvard University for resisting government pressure over academic policies.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacts during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center on April 9, 2025, in San Francisco, California. Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr defended Harvard University on Wednesday, speaking out against what he described as an attempt by President Donald Trump to undermine academic freedom. Kerr’s statement followed the Warriors' dominant victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, but the spotlight quickly shifted to his message off the court.

Wearing a crimson Harvard t-shirt during his post-game press conference, Steve Kerr defended Harvard against Trump’s attack on academic freedom, saying institutions of higher learning should never be bullied into conforming to political demands. The shirt, Kerr revealed, had been sent to him by Harvard basketball coach Tommy Amaker—a longtime friend and fellow advocate for student development through sport and education.

“It felt like a great day to wear it,” Kerr said, nodding to the controversy that had erupted after Trump escalated his criticism of the Ivy League university. “I believe in academic freedom, and I think it's crucial for all of our institutions to be able to handle their own business the way they want to. They should not be shaken down and told what to teach and what to say by our government.”

Kerr was particularly blunt in his assessment of the Trump administration’s stance: “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. But it’s kind of par for the course right now. So yes, this is me supporting Harvard—way to go, way to stand up to the bully.”

A personal message with national implications

Kerr’s defense of Harvard comes at a time when tensions between elite academic institutions and the federal government have reached new heights. On Tuesday, Trump threatened to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status, a drastic measure aimed at pressuring the university to comply with federal demands regarding admissions policies and curriculum standards.

The president also froze $2.2 billion in federal funding earmarked for the university, a move widely seen as retaliation for Harvard’s refusal to alter its academic practices. While Trump and his supporters argue that elite universities like Harvard are biased and out of touch with the country, critics say the administration’s actions amount to political intimidation.

For Kerr, the matter is not just political—it’s personal. Known for his progressive stances and outspoken nature, the 59-year-old coach has been a vocal critic of Trump for years. During the last election, he campaigned on behalf of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, urging Americans to choose a leadership style rooted in inclusion, reason, and compassion.

His appearance in a Harvard t-shirt was more than a fashion statement—it was a public declaration of solidarity.

Steve Kerr’s stance on Harvard’s independence mirrors the broader debate about educational institutions in the United States and whether they should be shielded from political influence.

“This is bigger than basketball,” Kerr said during the press conference. “It’s about whether we want a society where universities are free to explore knowledge and teach critical thinking, or one where they’re micromanaged by the federal government,” he added.

Kerr’s criticism was not only aimed at Trump but also at a growing movement within American politics to regulate higher education through partisan filters.

Harvard holds firm as political tension grows

Harvard University has declined to comment extensively on the ongoing standoff, but sources within the administration say the school remains firm in its commitment to academic freedom and student diversity. The university has long championed inclusive admissions and research autonomy, principles now seemingly at odds with Trump’s vision for federally funded education.

The dispute intensified after Trump’s executive order last week calling for “review and revision” of federal funding guidelines for universities deemed “noncompliant” with national values. Critics have called the order a thinly veiled attack on schools that challenge the president’s worldview.

In response, a growing number of educators, alumni, and public figures—like Kerr—have voiced their support for Harvard and other institutions standing firm against pressure.

Not the first time Kerr has taken a stand

Steve Kerr’s willingness to speak out on political and social issues has become one of the defining characteristics of his public persona. From calling for gun control in the wake of school shootings to denouncing systemic racism after the killing of George Floyd, Kerr has consistently used his platform to advocate for causes he believes in.

His support for Harvard fits into that broader pattern of engagement.

“Universities are places where ideas are supposed to be tested and challenged,” Kerr said. “When the government steps in and says, ‘You can’t teach this,’ or ‘You must accept students based on these criteria,’ it undermines everything education is supposed to be about.”

His remarks have been widely shared on social media, with many praising the coach for standing up for principles over politics. Fans, journalists, and educators alike echoed Kerr’s concerns about the direction the country could be heading if academic freedom is not preserved.

Trump’s clash with education continues

Trump’s dispute with Harvard is just the latest in a string of conflicts between his administration and academic institutions. During his presidency, Trump has repeatedly criticized universities for being too “woke,” too liberal, or too resistant to conservative values.

From threats to defund public universities to his repeated criticism of science-based education, Trump’s antagonistic approach has sparked widespread alarm among educators.

Kerr’s comments, delivered with the calm clarity he is known for, offer a counterpoint to that rhetoric—one rooted in respect for knowledge, freedom, and intellectual growth.

What this moment means

While it remains unclear whether Trump will follow through on his threats against Harvard, the political and cultural implications of the dispute are clear. Kerr’s public endorsement of Harvard’s resistance adds fuel to a national debate that shows no sign of cooling off.

More than just a basketball coach, Steve Kerr has once again positioned himself as a voice for reason and integrity in turbulent times.

His defense of Harvard against Trump’s attack on academic freedom is not just about one university—it’s about what kind of country the United States wants to be.

And in an era where every gesture matters, a Harvard shirt worn on a basketball podium becomes a powerful symbol of resistance.