Fareed Zakaria GPS Lee Bollinger on Trump’s Attack on Harvard and Academic Freedom
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Apr 20, 2025 Lee Bollinger, former President of Columbia University and a prominent First Amendment scholar, dives into the alarming attacks on academic freedom by the Trump administration. He discusses the implications of government power on prestigious institutions like Harvard, emphasizing the risks to free speech. Alongside him, author Michael Lewis sheds light on his book, revealing the often-overlooked, vital work of America's civil servants amidst a climate that diminishes their value. This lively conversation navigates the crossroads of education, politics, and public service.
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Trump's Intimidation of Universities
- The Trump administration's demands on Harvard aim to intimidate and control universities, not just address anti-Semitism.
- These actions represent unprecedented intrusions into academic freedom resembling a campaign of intimidation.
Universities' Strong First Amendment Defense
- Universities have a strong First Amendment case against government efforts to control speech via funding and oversight.
- Special protections exist because universities advance knowledge and the search for truth.
Trump-Columbia Land Dispute
- Trump tried to sell Columbia a block of land far from its campus, which Columbia declined for expansion reasons.
- Trump called Bollinger derogatory names; some suspect these personal disputes influenced later government actions against Columbia.
