Victor Davis Hanson: Trump’s Warning to Elite Universities, There’s a New Sheriff in Town
Feb 1, 2025
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Victor Davis Hanson, a military historian and acclaimed author, discusses Donald Trump's executive orders targeting diversity and inclusion at elite universities. He highlights recent protests at Columbia and NYU, hinting at potential repercussions for students involved. Hanson asserts that without consequences, these elite students thrive in a pampered culture, but shifts in attitudes might occur if universities take a firmer stance. He also critiques the preparedness of prestigious graduates, raising concerns for Silicon Valley employers about their radical views and skills.
Trump's executive orders targeting DEI quotas could lead to significant consequences for elite students, deterring future protests due to their career-driven nature.
The declining quality of graduates from elite universities raises concerns among employers, highlighting the need for educational improvements and adaptation to job market realities.
Deep dives
Consequences for Elite Students
Elite students at prestigious universities have often gone without facing consequences for their actions, particularly in the context of recent protests and disruptions within academic settings. For example, protests that disrupted a class on Israel led by a Jewish professor at Columbia University raised serious concerns about anti-Semitism on campus. The discussion highlights that should stricter measures be implemented—especially in response to executive orders from political figures—the consequences for these students, particularly those on foreign visas, could be severe. If students face suspension or felony charges, it may deter future protests as many are career-driven and accustomed to a life of privilege, making the idea of returning to their home countries undesirable for them.
Changing Perceptions in Silicon Valley
The perception of graduates from elite universities is undergoing significant scrutiny, particularly from leaders in Silicon Valley. Concerns have been raised about the quality of education and preparedness of new hires, as exemplified by Marc Andreessen's experiences with graduates who seem disconnected from the realities of the job market. He emphasized a noticeable decline in the quality of candidates, attributing this to radical ideologies that students are adopting, which can be detrimental to employers. This shift implies that if elite universities do not adapt and improve their educational standards and curricula, they risk losing respect and relevance in industries that demand high levels of skill and competence.
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Consequences for Elite University Students and Shifts in Silicon Valley Employment Expectations
Victor Davis Hanson discusses the implications of Donald Trump's executive orders, particularly those targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) quotas in government. He delves into recent incidents at Columbia University and NYU involving pro-Palestine protests and their potential consequences for student visas:
“My point is this, all of these Elite students at these elite universities talk a great game, but when they've never faced any consequences, if Donald Trump and if these universities are afraid of Donald Trump and they clamp down, I think you're going to see deterrence start to work to discourage other protests, because one thing we know about all these young students, they are careerist and they are careerists used to being pampered…”