Opinion: The Concerns Surrounding University Presidents
Amidst escalating criticism over stifled free speech on campus, university presidents face mounting scrutiny Fareed Zakaria argues that their focus on political agendas has overshadowed the pursuit of academic excellence
America's elite universities have long been seen as one of the country's greatest strengths, envied and admired by the world. However, the American public's confidence in these institutions has been waning, and for good reason.
Three university presidents faced criticism this week for their ambiguous and hesitant responses when questioned about whether advocating for the genocide of Jews would breach their institutions' code of conduct. However, to comprehend their conduct, we must consider the transformation that elite universities have undergone, evolving from bastions of academic excellence to establishments promoting political agendas.
Harvard University President Claudine Gay delivers an opening statement as she attends a House hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on December 5.
Ken Cedeno/Reuters
My students are not discussing genocide; they are seeking the freedom to learn. There is a noticeable shift in attitudes. According to Paul Tough, the percentage of young adults prioritizing a college degree decreased from 74% in 2013 to 41% in 2019. In 2018, 61% of Americans believed that higher education was moving in the wrong direction, with only 38% feeling it was on the right track. In 2016, 70% of high school graduates in America planned to attend college, but that number has now dropped to 62%. This growing disillusionment with higher education sets the United States apart from other advanced nations.
American universities have shifted their focus away from excellence in pursuit of various agendas, many of which revolve around diversity and inclusion. While this initially began with good intentions to ensure accessibility and comfort for students from all backgrounds, it has evolved into a rigid ideology, transforming universities into places that prioritize political and social engineering over academic merit.
The recent Supreme Court case on affirmative action provided evidence that universities have de-emphasized merit-based admissions criteria in favor of racial quotas. Some universities have responded to this by considering the elimination of standardized tests like the SAT, ultimately allowing for less emphasis on objective criteria in admissions decisions. This move will disproportionately affect bright students from underprivileged backgrounds who rely on these tests to demonstrate their qualifications.
At Columbia University in New York City, U.S., on October 12, 2023, a group of students showed their support for the Palestinians by participating in a protest against the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The demonstration was attended by pro-Palestinian individuals passionate about raising awareness for the cause. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon
Jeenah Moon/Reuters
Opinion: Why student protests against Israel are so painful, polarizing and complicated
The humanities have shifted their focus to prioritize race and gender in the hiring of new academic positions, as well as requiring subject matter related to marginalized groups. It seems that a White man studying the US presidency has little chance of receiving tenure at a major history department in America based on conversations with numerous academics. Grade inflation is widespread in the humanities, with the median grade at Yale College now being an A. There are also instances of new subjects emerging that are more aligned with political agendas rather than academic fields. Some colleges even offer majors in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The growing bureaucracy dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion suggests that more time and energy should be devoted to these issues. However, the lack of political diversity at universities, which undoubtedly affects their ability to analyze various issues, is not being addressed. This demonstrates that these goals are not directly tied to achieving, building, or sustaining excellence.
On October 10, 2023, LA F.U.E.R.Z.A, a student-run advocacy group, organized a Day of Resistance protest for Palestine in Long Beach, CA. The protest took place at CSU Long Beach and included participants wearing face coverings who refused to engage with the media. Despite this, they took breaks to deliver speeches as they marched through the campus. (Photo by Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images)
Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram/Getty Images
Opinion: For students and scholars, words matter. Thats why this is so appalling
The culture of diversity has led to the adoption of concepts such as safe spaces, trigger warnings, and micro aggressions. As noted by authors Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff, many colleges have implemented speech codes that prohibit the expression of opinions that may be considered offensive to certain groups. Universities are advising students to avoid behavior or attire that may cause offense to minority groups.
As the practice of virtue signaling continues to grow, the protests following George Floyd's death prompted many universities to issue statements aligning themselves with the movement. This is a notable departure from the response to previous events such as 9/11 or the Iraq War.
Jewish groups may understandably question why safe spaces, microaggressions, and hate speech do not seem to apply to them. If universities can take stances against free speech to ensure the safety of certain groups, why not include them? After coddling various student groups for an extended period, university administrators found themselves unable to justify why certain groups, such as Jews and Asians, are not included in these conversations.
Sign up for CNN Opinions newsletter
Join us on Twitter and Facebook
These universities and their presidents have ventured so far down the ideological path that they are unable to clearly articulate the central role of free expression of ideas on campus. While they cannot tolerate harassment and intimidation, they should protect offensive speech. As CNN's Van Jones eloquently put it, college is meant to keep students physically safe but intellectually challenged by exposing them to differing ideas.
The recent House hearing exposed the inevitable outcome of the decades-long politicization of universities. Rather than being viewed as centers of excellence, America's top colleges are now seen as partisan institutions, leaving them vulnerable to political storms. They should refocus on their core strengths, abandon their political engagement, and work to rebuild their reputations as centers of research and learning.
