Amanpour
Fighting Back Against Trump
Apr 16, 2025
Michael Roth, President of Wesleyan University, discusses the fight for academic freedom against Trump's political pressures, spotlighting Harvard's defiance. David Gibson explores the ideological clash between Pope Francis's advocacy for human rights and Trump's agenda. Kelsey Osgood shares insights from her book on millennial women's faith journeys, analyzing the balance of identity and organized religion. Together, they delve into the broader implications for democracy and the importance of protecting diversity in education.
57:49
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Quick takeaways
- Harvard and Wesleyan University exemplify resistance to government pressure, arguing for the protection of academic freedom and diversity principles amidst threats to funding.
- Pope Francis serves as a moral counterpoint to authoritarianism, advocating for human rights and inclusivity, while a rising trend in millennial women embracing faith reflects a search for community and meaning.
Deep dives
Federal Interference in Higher Education
The Trump administration is actively exerting pressure on higher education institutions, with Harvard University standing as a notable example of resistance. After Harvard refused to comply with federal demands to drop diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) measures, the administration imposed a freeze on $2 billion in funding and threatened the university's tax-exempt status. This has resulted in the revocation of visas for over 600 international scholars across various universities, raising deep concerns about free speech and due process. The situation has sparked a broader debate among academic leaders on the necessity of protecting the autonomy of universities from governmental interference.
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