Introduction to the Statement
Presidents of several colleges in the Chicago area were among more than 220 higher education leaders from across the country who signed a joint statement condemning the Trump administration’s efforts to exert influence over universities.
Background of the Statement
The statement was released Tuesday by the American Association of Colleges and Universities and speaks out against “unprecedented government overreach” as well as “political interference” that is “endangering American higher education.” Chicago-area leaders who signed the statement include the presidents of Northeastern Illinois University, Northwestern University, Chicago State University, Dominican University, and Wheaton College. Several other Illinois higher education leaders also signed.
Key Points of the Statement
“We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight,” the statement reads. “However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live and work on our campuses.” The joint statement comes a day after Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the administration after it issued a list of demands from the school, including hiring a third party to “audit” the viewpoints of Harvard’s community and reform academic programs.
Actions Taken by the Trump Administration
Harvard did not comply, and the administration has said it plans to freeze $2.2 billion in federal funding. It is also considering revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status. The Trump administration has similarly applied pressure to other wealthy universities, including Northwestern. Federal officials are withholding $790 million in funding for the school. The administration has said Northwestern and other schools have allowed antisemitism to run rampant on their campuses. But Northwestern’s funding was halted despite the school rolling out antisemitism initiatives and taking steps to comply with executive orders against diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Protests and Congressional Involvement
Last week, students and faculty at Northwestern protested against the administration’s campaign aimed at higher education as part of a national day of action. Meanwhile, DePaul University President Robert Manuel has been called to testify before Congress next month on antisemitism on college campuses. Manuel wasn’t among those who signed the joint statement as of Tuesday afternoon.
Conclusion
The university and college leaders who did sign it said that infringing on the freedoms of higher education will harm the country. “The price of abridging the defining freedoms of American higher education will be paid by our students and our society,” the statement reads. “On behalf of our current and future students, and all who work at and benefit from our institutions, we call for constructive engagement that improves our institutions and serves our republic.”
FAQs
- Q: Who signed the joint statement?
A: More than 220 higher education leaders from across the country, including presidents of several colleges in the Chicago area. - Q: What is the statement about?
A: The statement condemns the Trump administration’s efforts to exert influence over universities, speaking out against “unprecedented government overreach” and “political interference” that is “endangering American higher education.” - Q: What actions has the Trump administration taken against universities?
A: The administration has frozen or threatened to freeze federal funding for several universities, including Harvard and Northwestern, and is considering revoking tax-exempt status for non-compliance with its demands. - Q: Why are university leaders opposed to the administration’s actions?
A: They believe that such actions infringe on the freedoms of higher education and will harm the country, stating that “the price of abridging the defining freedoms of American higher education will be paid by our students and our society.”
