Introduction to the Crisis in Higher Education
The last decade has seen top U.S. universities embroiled in controversy, from debates over Halloween costumes and issues of race to concerns about antisemitism, the pandemic, and the Israel-Hamas war. However, the Trump administration’s recent attacks on colleges have created a common enemy, uniting fractious faculties, student bodies, donor populations, and alumni groups.
The Trump Administration’s Campaign Against Universities
The administration’s efforts to defund research, increase endowment taxes, dictate admissions and faculty appointments, and reshape universities have been met with widespread criticism. The campaign began with a ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, followed by the withdrawal of overhead contributions for scientific research. The administration then imposed demands on Columbia University in exchange for continued federal funding, and later targeted Harvard with more severe penalties, including the revocation of federal funding and an attempt to block international students from attending the university.
The Impact on University Communities
The Trump administration’s actions have created a sense of urgency among university communities, with many recognizing that the attack on one university is an attack on all. The administration’s tactics have been seen as an improper intrusion into the running of private institutions, with libertarians and conservatives worrying about the precedent it sets. Free speech advocates have also expressed concern about the government dictating hiring or curriculum decisions.
The Need for Unity
To successfully repel the administration’s onslaught, university communities must sustain and build upon their newfound unity. This will require accepting that making common cause does not require holding every cause in common. The schisms tearing at elite universities reflect the forces dividing American society, including immigration, demographic change, and new norms in terms of gender and sexuality. However, the Trump administration’s actions have created a common enemy, and university communities must come together to defend their institutions.
The Role of University Constituencies
University constituencies, including students, faculty, alumni, and donors, must rally to defend their institutions. This includes organizing efforts, such as the Harvard alumni collective "Crimson Courage" and outdoor demonstrations, to protest cuts to research. Seeing the attack on Harvard as an attack on all universities, other institutions, such as Yale, have begun to show support, with Yalies chanting "Who do we love? Harvard!" at a recent reunion.
Building a Broader Coalition
To successfully fight back, university supporters must build a broader coalition, including business leaders, entrepreneurs, civil rights leaders, and conservatives. Each group must speak in terms that invite others in, take account of varied concerns, and put the universities’ survival first. This does not mean that constituencies need to permanently give up their individual causes, but rather that they need to join together to ensure that the university remains a place vibrant and independent enough to be worth fighting for.
The Importance of Higher Education
American universities have long been places where people from all backgrounds come together to live and learn, bridging divides of geography, socioeconomics, race, tradition, lifestyle, religion, and belief. The intellectual and professional paths forged and friendships formed over generations at American universities have helped solder together a multitudinous society united by a belief in democracy and country. With the university now under siege, these bonds will be tested, and their ability to hold and strengthen may determine whether the university can survive and thrive.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s war on colleges has created a sense of urgency among university communities, with many recognizing that the attack on one university is an attack on all. To successfully repel the administration’s onslaught, university communities must sustain and build upon their newfound unity, accepting that making common cause does not require holding every cause in common. By building a broader coalition and defending their institutions, university supporters can make the administration’s crusade a liability and possibly press them to dial back or reverse course.
FAQs
Q: What has the Trump administration done to attack universities?
A: The administration has defunded research, increased endowment taxes, dictated admissions and faculty appointments, and imposed demands on universities in exchange for continued federal funding.
Q: Why have university communities come together to defend their institutions?
A: The Trump administration’s actions have created a common enemy, and university communities recognize that the attack on one university is an attack on all.
Q: What can be done to build a broader coalition to defend universities?
A: University supporters must build a coalition that includes business leaders, entrepreneurs, civil rights leaders, and conservatives, and speak in terms that invite others in, take account of varied concerns, and put the universities’ survival first.
Q: Why is higher education important to American society?
A: American universities have long been places where people from all backgrounds come together to live and learn, bridging divides and helping to solder together a multitudinous society united by a belief in democracy and country.
