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Executive Team Updates

AACRAO Joins Amicus Brief in Support of Harvard University's Motion for Summary Judgement

June 25, 2025

On June 9, 2025, AACRAO joined 27 other higher education associations in an amicus brief in support of Harvard University’s motion for summary judgment. AACRAO joined the amicus brief based on the belief that the current administration's actions represent government overreach and threaten not just Harvard’s autonomy but possibly the autonomy of all higher education institutions. 

Furthermore, the administration's freeze of over $2.2 billion in federal research funding and attempts to bar Harvard from enrolling international students are unprecedented actions by an administration against an institution of higher education. 

No president should have the power to weaponize federal funding to coerce colleges and universities into surrendering their constitutionally protected rights to free speech and due process. The attack on one higher education institution endangers the independence of all American colleges and universities and their ability to pursue knowledge, foster intellectual diversity, and maintain the academic freedom essential to a thriving democracy. 

Sincerely,
Melanie Gottlieb
Executive Director, AACRAO


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Michael V. Reilly served as the Executive Director, AACRAO 2012 - 2021

AACRAO Joins Amicus Brief in Support of Harvard University's Motion for Summary Judgement

June 25, 2025

On June 9, 2025, AACRAO joined 27 other higher education associations in an amicus brief in support of Harvard University’s motion for summary judgment. AACRAO joined the amicus brief based on the belief that the current administration's actions represent government overreach and threaten not just Harvard’s autonomy but possibly the autonomy of all higher education institutions. 

Furthermore, the administration's freeze of over $2.2 billion in federal research funding and attempts to bar Harvard from enrolling international students are unprecedented actions by an administration against an institution of higher education. 

No president should have the power to weaponize federal funding to coerce colleges and universities into surrendering their constitutionally protected rights to free speech and due process. The attack on one higher education institution endangers the independence of all American colleges and universities and their ability to pursue knowledge, foster intellectual diversity, and maintain the academic freedom essential to a thriving democracy. 

Sincerely,
Melanie Gottlieb
Executive Director, AACRAO


Related Content

melanie-people-pageMelanie Gottlieb, AACRAO Executive Director

Melanie is responsible for ensuring the association's operations (including staff, infrastructure, products, and services) are in alignment to carry out the mission according to the strategic direction of the AACRAO Board of Directors.

headshot of Qunitina Barnett GallionQuintina Barnett Gallion, Associate Executive Director at AACRAO

Quintina is the executive lead responsible for AACRAO's position in the field of higher education administrators. She synchronizes all association staff, activities, and offerings to fulfill AACRAO's five strategic goals.

Square photograph of Tina Deneen

Dr. Tina Deneen, Associate Executive Director at AACRAO

Dr. DeNeen is the executive lead responsible for professional development and content delivery with a focus on strategic plan alignment, and maintains overall responsibility for the activities in the EMD Division.

martha-people-pageMartha Henebry, Associate Executive Director

Martha is the executive lead for operations and membership at AACRAO. She oversees member acquisition and systems management and implementation. She also coordinates the organization's IT, Accounting, and HR departments. 

Dr. Mike Simmons, Associate Executive Director

Dr. Simmons is the executive lead responsible for leading the consulting, corporate partnerships, and grants teams in creating and maintaining valuable strategic relationships and creating resource opportunities that allow AACRAO to meet strategic goals and serve our members.