Tulane University is missing from the list of signatories attached to a letter released on Tuesday, signed by over 400 academic institutions, opposing the Trump administration’s recent restrictions and punitive measures against higher education institutions.
The Trump administration has repeatedly targeted higher education with bans on diversity, equity and inclusion programs and crack-downs on alleged antisemitic activity.
“We must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses,” the letter stated.
Tulane is one of the universities under threat; the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is currently investigating Tulane, and therefore threatening millions in federal funding, due to its efforts in diversity expansion and its handling of antisemitism on campus during last year’s pro-Palestine protests.
“As one of the leading research universities in the country, Tulane continues to engage with elected officials at every level of government regarding the value and importance of our research mission,” Tulane spokesperson Mike Strecker said in a statement to The Hullabaloo regarding the recent letter. “This includes advocating against any policy or legal directive that would negatively impact our work and operations. We have also launched a comprehensive communications effort to underscore the value of university discoveries and breakthroughs that save and improve lives while creating economic opportunity for all.”
This effort is demonstrated by a recent editorial, published by President Michael Fitts on Nola.com. The op-ed explained that Tulane relies on federal funding for scholarships, life-saving research and economic benefits brought to Louisiana.
“Every dollar in NIH-funded research results in $2.46 of new economic activity,” Fitts wrote. “That return on investment is likely even higher for universities in Louisiana.”
Other prestigious universities have already faced backlash from Trump: Harvard University is suing the Trump administration for freezing billions in federal funding, Columbia University lost access to $250 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health and several other major universities may lose up to billions in federal money.
charles k desler • Apr 26, 2025 at 11:24 am
Figures!
But what else would one expect?
Well at least the President of the U of O signed.
An embarrassment to say the least.
Chuck
charles desler architect
BA Oregon 68
BArch Tulane 75
Elizabeth Catherine Argus • Apr 26, 2025 at 9:27 am
I’m ashamed to calm myself a Tulane alumna and a five generation legacy. Bending the knee to a dictator will ultimately result in ruin.
Tony Thomas • Apr 26, 2025 at 8:04 am
Sad commentary that Tulane failed to stand up against Trump while 400 other schools did.
Alan Guma • Apr 25, 2025 at 9:45 pm
It is hard to be proud of Tulane’s failure to stand courageously with the leading universities in the nation. Nothing “audacious” about this.
A&S ‘61
Beau hall • Apr 25, 2025 at 5:08 pm
As an alum this is extremely disappointing.
Shana Johnson • Apr 25, 2025 at 11:18 am
I’m not sure why the email blast qualified this as BREAKING NEWS other than sensationalism. Of course the topic is important, but this type of journalism draws unnecessary criticism without offering valuable insight as to WHY the university is not included in this letter. This article creates a narrative that insinuates the University stands with the elimination of DEI and supports the separatist ideals of the current administration. I want my 3 minutes back.
[email protected] • Apr 25, 2025 at 11:00 am
I’m sorry you believe you must kowtow to him. Just remember…
We have not even to risk the adventure alone
for the heroes of all time have gone before us.
The labyrinth is thoroughly known …
we have only to follow the thread of the hero path.
And where we had thought to find an abomination
we shall find a God.
And where we had thought to slay another
we shall slay ourselves.
Where we had thought to travel outwards
we shall come to the center of our own existence.
And where we had thought to be alone
we shall be with all the world.”
― Joseph Campbell
Deborah Millaway • Apr 25, 2025 at 7:38 am
Wrong decision Tulane! You need to sign the letter with the institutions of higher education unwilling to be controlled financially by Trump.
KRISTA K ADAMS • Apr 24, 2025 at 3:25 pm
So glad to see Hullabaloo covering this. I have called 3 different offices at Tulane in the past hour and no one was able to tell me if Tulane plans to sign on to this important action. I want to support Tulane in doing the right thing–which is to resist government overreach. Over 250 colleges and universities have already signed. Hoping to see Tulane in that number soon. Krista Adams, Newcomb College of Tulane. ’85
Tim Wise (A&S, '90) • Apr 24, 2025 at 2:51 pm
It is embarrassing that Tulane “leadership” didn’t sign on to the letter condemning Trump’s autocratic attempt to destroy higher education as an independent locus of cultural power and influence, and free speech. Absolutely disgusted that my alma mater would, as has so often been the case, verbalize its commitment to fighting these things in press releases but then not put their asses on the line even as others feel no such compunction. When I was a student we used to call this bikini liberalism: just enough to cover up the socially unacceptable parts. Some things never change I suppose.