The Facts Keep Leading the Parade—and the Protests
This edition of Paideia Times Weekly might be dubbed the déjà vu all over again issue. But just when you think that you’ve seen one protest you’ve seen ‘em all, keep reading.
And it’s thanks to our indefatigable Contributing Editor Amy Genito that we have an issue this week at all. Thanks Amy. Let me know what you think. Peter Meyer
Free Speech Showdown: Tents Fall as Principles Rise
At the University of Chicago, a clash over free speech erupted as an encampment challenged institutional norms. Known for its commitment to open dialogue, the university faced a dilemma that, at first, they didn’t know they had: maintain neutrality or permit robust expression? As police intervened, tensions mounted, highlighting the fragile balance between principle commitment and policy enforcement. Meanwhile, across campuses, veteran professors led the charge for free speech; for many, risking reprisals to stand in solidarity with students, it became reminiscent of their activism during the Vietnam War era.. The once celebratory season has turned into a battleground, with over 2,600 arrests reported nationwide, transforming campuses into arenas of unrest and heavy-handed enforcement. At UChicago, protests turned violent, prompting President Paul Alivisatos to intervene, citing disruptions to free expression and learning. Elsewhere, Rhode Island School of Design negotiated with occupiers, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology faced a renewed encampment after shutting one down. Dozens of suspensions and disciplinary referrals were initiated at MIT. Since April 17, when protests began at Columbia University, administrators have grappled with preserving free speech while ensuring campus safety, mindful of the majority of students not participating in demonstrations.
--Amy Genito
Sources
UChicago Says Free Speech Is Sacred. Some Students See Hypocrisy. (New York Times)
Baby Boomer Professors Join Student Protests, Risking Arrest and Violence (Wall Street Journal
Once champions of free speech, colleges crack down on pro-Palestinian protests (NBC News)
Further Reading
Those Who Preach Free Speech Need to Practice It (The Atlantic)
Colleges Have Gone off the Deep End. There Is a Way Out. (New York Times)
The Radical Case for Free Speech (New Yorker)
’Tis the Season: Commencement Chaos Erupts
Our United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield had the distinction of being disinvited to be a commencement speaker at both the University of Vermont and Xavier University of Lousiana Columbia and Emory Universities were forced to shake up graduation plans amid campus uproar. Columbia canceled its main commencement ceremony in a safety-driven move amid pro-Palestinian protests, opting for smaller gatherings, while Emory relocated its events off campus in response to escalating tensions. This upheaval follows the University of Southern California’s precedent-setting cancellation of its main commencement last month. Simultaneously, Xavier University of Louisiana followed in the footsteps of the University of Vermont in disinviting U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield amid Gaza-conflict upheaval, triggering a wave of controversy. Echoing student concerns and emphasizing a disruption-free ceremony, Xavier’s president, Dr. Reynold Verret, expressed regret but prioritized a smooth ceremony, stating, “The vast majority of students want to enjoy commencement without disruptions.” Despite the turmoil, the University of Michigan, Indiana University, and Northeastern University showcased resilience as they bolstered security for their commencement ceremonies. At Michigan’s event, amid a sea of graduates, pro-Palestinian flag-waving protests added tension, yet U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro steered through disruptions to deliver his address.
--Amy Genito
Sources
Universities rescind commencement invitations to U.S. ambassador to U.N. over conflict in Gaza (CBS News)
Columbia University Cancels Main Commencement Ceremony After Protests (Wall Street Journal)
Two Universities Cancel Speeches by U.N. Ambassador (New York Times)
A look at commencement ceremonies as US campuses are roiled by protests over the Israel-Hamas war (AP News)
Further Reading
Hold On to Your Hats, America (New York Times) Columbia Cancels Commencement Ceremony as Anti-Israel Protests Roil Campus (National Review)
USC Leaders Censured for Handling of Anti-Israel Protests, Commencement Cancellation
Columbia cancels main commencement; universities crackdown on encampments: Live updates (USA Today)
Columbia cancels commencement as US-wide protests continue (Times Higher Education)
Columbia University cancels main commencement after weeks of protests (Los Angeles Times)
Gaza Protests Are Coming for Commencement. Here’s How Colleges Are Preparing. (Chronicle of Higher Education)
Hold On to Your Hats, America (New York Times)
Campus Revolt: Protests, Alumni Backlash, and Calls for Peace
Across the U.S., campuses ignited with protests, notably at Columbia University, where over 100 students faced arrest. The movement, calling for an end to the conflict and financial divestment from Israel, elicited a stern warning from individuals purporting to be Columbia University alumni, vowing to withhold a staggering $77 million in donations. Patriots owner and Columbia alumnus Robert Kraft pledged to withhold donations and echoed safety concerns, lamenting the presence of what he termed “virulent hate” on campus. With over 2,000 arrests documented across 46 campuses, the burgeoning youth activism now casts a shadow over the upcoming presidential election. Simultaneously, UK universities echoed this fervor, sparking a resurgence reminiscent of historic antiwar demonstrations. In a post-protest analysis, USSC Associate Professor Dr. David Smith emphasized the importance of peaceful resolutions, stating, “Prioritizing dialogue over conflict is paramount.” He highlighted Brown University’s recent divestment vote as a step forward and cautions against dismissing student demands, noting the situation at Columbia.
Sources
Columbia Alumni Supporting Anti-Israel Protesters Pledge to Withhold $77 Million in Donations (National Review)
The Kids Are Not All Right. They Want to Be Heard (New Yorker)
How universities raised a generation of activists (The Spectator)
Can US universities ‘heal’ after campus clashes over Gaza? (Times Higher Education)
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Shortstack
Why Florida is #1 in Education, MIT is #1 at Canceling Mandatory DEI statements, and Martha Pollack is #3 Ivy League Prez to Resign
A law to fight antisemitism. But what about free speech? (University World News)
This state is hiring: Bachelor degree holders need not apply (University World News)
A New Accreditor Has Money in Mind (Martin Center)
Yes, Florida Is No. 1 in the Country for Education. Here’s Why. (US News)
No One Knows What Universities Are For (The Atlantic)
How Trustees Can Save Columbia, Brown, Northeastern, Penn, Indiana, Yale... (RealClear Education)
Bowling Green State University Reports Record $121 Million Scholarship Gift (Forbes)
Cornell University’s President Is Resigning, the Third Ivy-League Leader to Depart Since December (Wall Street Journal)
Biden’s education secretary apologizes for FAFSA rollout amid new concerns about next year (USA Today)
US colleges face ‘perfect storm’ on international recruitment (Times Higher Education)
Cornell University president Martha Pollack to step down (Times Higher Education)