The Trump administration’s war on American universities is an unprecedented threat to free speech, critical thinking, and dissent. As institutions of higher learning, universities are at the forefront of social transformation and research, yet they face a chilling assault from the government. The recent letter sent by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has raised concerns about Jewish students’ safety, following a similar attack on Columbia University.
This pattern is concerning, as it suggests an Orwellian world where totalitarian ideologies are presented as their opposite. However, it is essential to recognize that this “war on antisemitism” is actually a naked attack on political dissent and university independence. Almost 2,000 Jewish professors, students, and staff members have spoken out against the government’s actions.
The Trump administration has made no secret of its intentions, with Vice President J.D. Vance stating that universities are the enemy. The recent executive orders seeking to control the content of university research and teaching have sparked a nationwide injunction from a Maryland court. Despite this, universities, including Stanford, have preemptively begun removing language from websites, reviewing programs, and shrinking graduate admissions.
Stanford’s leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to free speech and critical thinking, but it is essential for public action and leadership. The university’s policy of institutional neutrality allows it to take a position when its mission is threatened. It is crucial that Stanford stands up against this attack on free inquiry and models the integrity it works to instill in students.
The American Association of University Professors has issued a call for universities to fight back, and several organizations have challenged the constitutionality of recent executive orders. However, universities must take more concrete actions, such as publicly denouncing and defying the government’s attacks on higher education.
It is time for Stanford’s administration to join the growing chorus of voices calling upon universities to stand up against this threat. Together, we can prevail by launching a campaign in defense of higher education. The struggle itself will represent the continued vitality of all that we seek to defend – free thought, critical thinking, and dissent.
Source: https://stanforddaily.com/2025/03/17/is-it-1984-in-2025