

The White House is going after universities. This college president is speaking out.
Apr 17, 2025
Michael S. Roth, President of Wesleyan University, critiques the Trump administration's interference with academic freedom. He discusses how recent investigations into top universities impact diversity programs and threaten funding. Roth emphasizes the importance of defending free speech and the necessity for universities to embrace ideological diversity. He highlights the challenges faced by international students amid political pressures and urges the importance of resilience in defending personal liberties for future generations.
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College as Freedom Practice
- College provides a space for students to practice freedom and explore diverse experiences.
- This freedom helps students learn lifelong skills beyond academic knowledge.
Funding Fuels Innovation and Health
- Government funding of university research fosters major innovations benefiting society.
- Threatening this ecosystem for ideological reasons damages national progress and healthcare advancements.
Populism Targets Elite Universities
- Populist resentment fuels targeting of elite universities by political leaders.
- Universities' poor communication about their societal value makes them vulnerable to such attacks.