The Glenn Show Rajiv Sethi – Will Trump Destroy Elite Universities?
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Aug 8, 2025 Rajiv Sethi, Professor of Economics at Barnard College, dives into hot-button issues surrounding modern academia. He discusses Columbia University's controversial $221 million deal with the Trump administration regarding anti-Semitism, calling out pretextual accusations at the institution. Sethi examines the complexities of university admissions—balancing merit and equity—while critiquing self-censorship and free speech in academia. He warns about the potential for backlash against elite universities and reflects on students' protests and their implications for institutional responses.
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Columbia Deal Includes Wide Deliverables
- Rajiv Sethi describes a $200 million settlement plus a $21 million compensation fund.
- The agreement demands changes across admissions, hiring, discipline, curriculum, and single-sex spaces.
Antisemitism Claims Often Serve Broader Aims
- Rajiv Sethi says many antisemitism charges against Columbia were largely pretextual.
- He argues federal action targeted broader policies like admissions and hiring.
IHRA's Disciplinary Use Risks Academic Debate
- Rajiv Sethi warns Columbia adopted the IHRA definition for disciplinary purposes.
- He says this change already prompted Rashid Khalidi to cancel a planned course.
