Leaders of Higher Education Raise Alarm at Penn Senate Colloquium:

The colloquium discussed a number of obstacles facing higher education and issues like DEI attacks, and putting pressure on academic freedom. The Daily Pennsylvanian article, “University Leaders Discussed Time of Peril for Higher Education at Penn Faculty Senate Colloquium,” reports on a faculty senate colloquium that was held January 30th. This was the first of a three part series focusing on the future of American universities. Some speakers included Irene Mulvey ( Former President of the American Association of University Professors), Michael Roth (President of Wesleyan University), and John Sexton (President Emeritus of New York University). These speakers highlighted several key issues. First they pointed out the lack of faith in institutions. The distrust is impacting free speech and on campus debate. They then went on to talk about the attacks on DEI (Diversity Equity and Inclusion) initiatives. The speakers emphasized the importance of defending higher education against attacks on DEI initiatives, particularly among criticism from political figures. The concept of a “gag order” was discussed, by Mulvey, in the context of limiting speech in higher education. Another issue they highlighted was academic freedom vs. donor pressure. The colloquium addressed the tension between academic freedom and pressure from trustees (often major donors to the university) who may push back on donating if the university doesn’t see eye to eye with their views. They further highlighted the danger of authoritarianism (a form of a governmental power trip, often involving suppression of dissent and individual rights). Roth described universities as being “on the front lines of a war in civil society,” warning against the dangers of institutions silencing the lack of agreement to avoid controversy. The next two colloquiums are scheduled to be on February 26 and then again on April 9.