Saturday Extra - Full program podcast Harvard v. Trump and Irish author Colum McCann
Apr 18, 2025
Colum McCann, acclaimed Irish author known for 'Let the Great World Spin', discusses the essential yet vulnerable role of undersea cables in our digital lives. Mayone Jones analyzes the shifting political landscape in South Africa, dissecting its complex relationship with the Trump administration. Hanan Khashoggi shares her emotional fight for justice for her husband, Jamal Khashoggi, emphasizing the challenges of accountability. David Armitage tackles the controversial clash between Harvard's diversity initiatives and political pressures, highlighting the importance of academic freedom.
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Harvard Fights for Academic Freedom
- Harvard University resists Trump's demands to control admissions and curriculum, seeing them as threats to academic freedom.
- The administration's anti-Semitism claims mask broader attempts to suppress free speech and criticism of the government.
Funding Furthers National Innovation
- Cutting federal funding to Harvard will harm critical medical and technological research benefiting all Americans.
- The university's research achievements justify the continued investment despite its wealth.
Factors Limiting Harvard's Conservatism
- Harvard has fewer conservative thinkers partly due to differing career incentives and salary disparities.
- Creating greater political diversity requires addressing these structural challenges.