The MeidasTouch Podcast Wesleyan President Michael Roth Stands up to Trump Regime
6 snips
Jul 6, 2025 
Michael Roth, President of Wesleyan University, joins the conversation, sharing his bold stance against the authoritarian tactics of the Trump regime. He discusses the pressures universities face regarding academic freedom and diversity, particularly in light of political influence. Roth also highlights the struggles of university leaders to maintain civil society in the face of dissent and the need for a collective defense of free speech. His passionate call to action encourages listeners to uphold truth and resist authoritarianism in educational institutions.
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Jim Ryan Resigned Under Pressure
- University of Virginia President Jim Ryan resigned under pressure from the Trump administration for supporting diversity and academic freedom.
- Ryan stepped down to protect his staff from job losses amid investigations and threats.
New Civil Rights Framework Debate
- Genuine diversity efforts clash with the Trump administration's civil rights approach, which seeks to redefine non-discrimination.
- The administration objects to affirmative action, focusing on preventing "reverse discrimination" against white people.
Trump Regime Threatens Academic Freedom
- President Michael Roth argues the Trump administration demands loyalty and attacks academic freedom under false pretenses like misusing civil rights laws.
- He highlights a government war on civil society risking American freedoms if not resisted legally and nonviolently.