Introduction to the Issue
A majority of U.S. adults disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of issues related to colleges and universities, according to a new poll. The survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that more than half of Americans, 56%, disapprove of the Republican president’s approach on higher education, while about 4 in 10 approve.
Trump’s Stance on Higher Education
Since taking office in January, Trump has tried to force change at universities he says have become hotbeds of liberalism and antisemitism. The spotlight most recently has been on Harvard University, where Trump’s administration has frozen more than $2.2 billion in federal grants, threatened to strip the school’s tax-exempt status, and demanded broad policy changes. The Trump administration also has cut off money to other elite colleges, including Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell University, over issues including the handling of pro-Palestinian activism and transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports.
Public Opinion on University Autonomy
The poll shows a disconnect between the Trump administration’s targeting of universities and an American public that sees them as key to scientific research, new ideas, and innovative technology. About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say colleges and universities make more of a positive contribution to medical and scientific research than a negative one, and a similar share favors maintaining federal funding for scientific research. Freddy Ortega, 66, a Democrat and a retired military veteran in Columbus, Georgia, expressed concern over Trump’s actions, stating, "One man should not have that much power… This is something for Congress to deal with.”
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs
Ortega, who’s Hispanic, also said he’s concerned about Trump’s attempts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across U.S. society. "I came up in the military. I know the good that those programs do," he said. "It changes the direction that people’s lives are going to take.” Trump’s stance on these programs resonates more strongly with Republicans, most of whom see college campuses as places where conservatives are silenced and liberal ideas run unchecked.
Republican Views on Higher Education
About 8 in 10 Republicans approve of how Trump is handling issues related to colleges and universities, which is higher than the share of Republicans, 70%, who approve of his handling of the economy. About 6 in 10 say they’re “extremely” or “very” concerned about liberal bias on campus. However, Republicans are more divided on withholding federal funding from schools unless they bow to Trump’s demands, with about half in favor, about one-quarter opposed, and a similar share neutral.
Cost of Tuition
A top concern of most Americans is the cost of a college degree. About 6 in 10 U.S. adults are “extremely” or “very” concerned about the cost of tuition. This concern is shared by majorities of Democrats and Republicans and far outweighs concerns about antisemitism and liberal bias on campuses among the general public. Eunice Cortez, 68, a Republican near Houston, said, "College costs a lot more than it needs to. To get an education, you should not have to break your pocketbook."
Free Speech on Campus
About 3 in 10 U.S. adults say students or professors can freely speak their minds “a lot” on college and university campuses. About 4 in 10 say they can do this to “some” extent. Republicans feel their views are stifled, with about 8 in 10 saying liberals can speak their minds “a lot” or “some” on campus, but fewer than half say the same about conservatives. Kara Hansen, 40, a registered independent in Seminole, Oklahoma, expressed concern over what she calls Trump’s “authoritarian tendencies” and a growing fear on college campuses to speak up and voice opinions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the majority of U.S. adults disapprove of President Trump’s handling of issues related to colleges and universities. The public values the role of higher education in scientific research, new ideas, and innovative technology, and is concerned about the cost of tuition and the impact of Trump’s policies on free speech on campus. While Republicans are divided on the issue of withholding federal funding, the majority of Americans believe that colleges and universities should be able to operate independently without political interference. Ultimately, the debate over higher education highlights the deeper cultural and political divisions in the United States, and the need for a nuanced and informed discussion about the role of universities in American society.
