This post will probably be of interest mainly to my Barnard and Columbia colleagues, and perhaps others working in or writing about American higher education.
Interim University President Katrina Armstrong's email on the matter https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/03/07/armstrong-responds-to-400-million-federal-cut-to-columbias-funding-in-email-to-columbia-community/ was shocking for two key reasons (1) She validated the "concerns" of the Musk/Trump, when Columbia has already done everything they have demanded of Columbia (and more). Her email made no attempt to defend the university's record or defend free speech. Instead she begged additional compliance to whatever demand against free speech comes next. (2) Her email also makes no attempt to defend research and universities, despite transparent fact that Musk/Trump do not care about the safety and welfare of the Jews, but rather to end our hegemony of research, that has brought so much good to society, and opportunity to those who are lucky enough to partake.
I am very concerned about the weakness of university presidents at this time. So few are independent scholars and leaders in the own right, hired to fundraise not to be thought leaders. And, skilled politicians are taking advantage of that weakness to undermine free speech and universities.
Interim University President Katrina Armstrong's email on the matter https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2025/03/07/armstrong-responds-to-400-million-federal-cut-to-columbias-funding-in-email-to-columbia-community/ was shocking for two key reasons (1) She validated the "concerns" of the Musk/Trump, when Columbia has already done everything they have demanded of Columbia (and more). Her email made no attempt to defend the university's record or defend free speech. Instead she begged additional compliance to whatever demand against free speech comes next. (2) Her email also makes no attempt to defend research and universities, despite transparent fact that Musk/Trump do not care about the safety and welfare of the Jews, but rather to end our hegemony of research, that has brought so much good to society, and opportunity to those who are lucky enough to partake.
I am very concerned about the weakness of university presidents at this time. So few are independent scholars and leaders in the own right, hired to fundraise not to be thought leaders. And, skilled politicians are taking advantage of that weakness to undermine free speech and universities.
I don't think it's weakness David, so much as fear, this is just a taste of what lies ahead.