‘Extraordinary fear’ takes hold at universities as Trump campaign threatens investigations or loss of federal fundsThe Trump administration’s unprecedented pressure campaign on American higher education – which is forcing major universities to bow to its demands or risk investigations and the loss of millions of dollars in federal money – is so far facing little pushback from the schools affected.That campaign escalated earlier this month, when the US government cancelled $400m in federal contracts and grants to Columbia University. In a subsequent letter, representatives of three federal agencies said they would reconsider that freeze only if Columbia agreed to conditions including more aggressively disciplining students who engage in pro-Palestinian disruptions, planning “comprehensive” reform of the school’s admissions policies, and placing one of school’s area studies departments under “academic receivership” – meaning under the control of an outside chair. Continue reading...
US universities face increasing pressure from the Trump administration through funding cuts, investigations, and threats over issues such as diversity initiatives, alleged antisemitism, pro-Palestinian protests, and transgender policies, leading to widespread fear and self-censorship among faculty and administrators. Despite legal experts suggesting universities have grounds to fight back, institutional pushback has been minimal, with many institutions weighing the financial risks of resistance against the principles of academic freedom.
