The Nation Podcasts
Trump and the Universities: Submission and Resistance | Start Making Sense
Mar 19, 2025
David Cole, former National Legal Director of the ACLU, and David Myers, a distinguished professor at UCLA, dive into the tension between the Trump administration and American universities. They discuss the alarming funding cuts aimed at enforcing compliance on social issues. The arrest of Palestinian student activist Mahmoud Khalil raises critical questions on free speech and the implications for Jewish students. The conversation also touches on the historical parallels to McCarthyism and the need for universities to defend inclusivity and resist authoritarian pressures.
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Quick takeaways
- The Trump administration's threats to cut funding illustrate a broader strategy to undermine university autonomy and suppress dissenting voices.
- The case of Mahmoud Khalil highlights the tension within the Jewish community regarding free speech and support for Palestinian rights in academia.
Deep dives
Trump's Attack on University Independence
The Trump administration has been targeting university autonomy by threatening financial penalties for institutions that do not comply with its demands. This includes cutting federal funding as a means of coercion to suppress protests and dissent, particularly surrounding issues like the Gaza War. The case of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist facing deportation for his political expression, exemplifies how these actions may be aimed at stifling free speech on campuses. Such maneuvers represent a broader effort to control independent thought and criticism that has historically flourished in academic settings.
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