On Tuesday, April 22nd, the American Association of Colleges and Universities released a public statement entitled “A Call for Constructive Engagement.” The statement is in response to the attacks of the Trump administration on colleges and universities across the country, including the pulling of millions of dollars of funding for research – monies that were already contracted to the schools.
The statement begins:
As leaders of America’s colleges, universities, and scholarly societies, we speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education. We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses. We will always seek effective and fair financial practices, but we must reject the coercive use of public research funding.
It goes on to note that “America’s system of higher learning is as varied as the goals and dreams of the students it serves.” But even across that variety of purposes and experiences, “our colleges and universities share a commitment to serve as centers of open inquiry where, in their pursuit of truth, faculty, students, and staff are free to exchange ideas and opinions across a full range of viewpoints without fear of retribution, censorship, or deportation.”
One day later, the statement has been signed by the presidents or chancellors of over 380 such institutions of higher learning. The AAC&U is continuing to accept signatures, so that number will certainly grow.
As you look over the list, you may be tempted to say “these are mostly smaller schools – they have nothing to lose.” I started out thinking that as well, until I scanned the entire list. Here are a few “smaller schools” you may recognize:
- University of Washington
- University of Notre Dame
- Princeton University
- UCLA
- Harvard University
- Rutgers University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Yale University
- University of Wisconsin
- University of Michigan
- Duke University
- University of Virginia
But if you continue scanning the list, you will look in vain for the supposed “flagship” universities in our state:
- The University of Kentucky? Not there.
- The University of Louisville? Not there either.
Well then, what about the middle-sized schools?
- Murray? Nope.
- Morehead? Also nope.
- WKU, EKU, NKU, any other Something-KU? Crickets.
Apparently, academic freedom and the strength of your convictions turn to tissue paper when confronted with the power of MAGA – or the power of the almighty dollar. Signing a letter is just too dangerous. </snark>
So, who, pray tell, in this great Commonwealth, has the courage to simply sign a letter, instead of cowering in the corner? Here they are:
- Cheryl L. Nixon, President, Berea College
- Susan M. Donovan, President, Bellarmine University
- Milton Moreland, President, Centre College
- Andrew David Pomerville, President, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Congratulations to these four presidents, and the institutions they lead. You have taken a stand on principle, and not on expediency, and have shown us the courage we will need to confront the authoritarian / fascist threats coming from this administration.
As for the other “leaders” of our colleges and universities, including our supposed “flagship” schools: Where were you when it was time to take a stand? Why is your name not on this letter?
Just how much is abandoning your principles and freedom worth, anyway?
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