Universities across the country have signed a letter in objection to the Trump administration’s interference with the freedom of higher education. The letter, released by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, calls for opposition against government intrusion that impedes the collegiate lives and educational research of students and faculty. As a university, we have an obligation to protest government intrusion that endangers free thought. Reading through the letter’s list of university signatories, it was a grave disappointment to discover that Tulane University was not included.
In President Donald Trump’s second presidential term, diversity, equity and inclusion programs at universities have been attacked due to the administration’s commitment to eradicate efforts to advance equal opportunity. Tulane is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education for violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for the university’s handling of antisemitism and partnership with the PhD Program, a nonprofit committed to advancing diversity in graduate programs. Due to this, millions of dollars in federal funding for university research have been threatened. Additionally, Tulane’s “Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” has been renamed the “Office of Academic Excellence and Opportunity,” and the Office of Gender and Sexual and Diversity has been dissolved in response to government warnings. Thus far, Tulane has shown efforts to adhere to orders from the Trump administration in protection from government repercussions.
The government’s educational intrusion is threatening Tulane’s autonomy and academic freedom. By signing the letter, university leaders have created a unified front against unethical government outreach that attacks student identity. American universities should be entitled to the ability to determine their academic grounds. This essential freedom is being stripped from higher education, and Tulane has rejected the opportunity to protest.
The letter released by the American Association of Colleges and Universities reads, “… we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses.” The Trump administration’s attack on education is clearly unjust. As a university supposedly committed to its students, Tulane is doing its students an injustice by refusing to respond to external attacks.
The government has already weaponized university funds and donations. Harvard University has now sued the Trump administration for its funding freeze on the university. This act of courage created a ripple effect on universities across the country, who are now protesting a larger threat to American education.
Hundreds of universities now stand together as a unified front against injustice. But Tulane officials continue to keep their heads down, obey injustice and refuse to respond to the nationwide attack on educational freedom. In a time of crisis, Tulane has resorted to avoidance and evasion.
According to the letter, “On behalf of our current and future students, and all who work at and benefit from our institutions, we call for constructive engagement that improves our institutions and serves our republic.”
For the sake of its students, Tulane has an obligation to condemn the attack on educational freedom. The letter represents concern for the current political climate and commitment to defending educational rights. Colleges and universities are agents of opportunity that have the power to foster innovation and provide resources for research and discovery. This power has now been threatened and dismantled at universities across the country. Tulane must respond in the interest of student prosperity and educational freedom.