When I read that the Trump administration cut Princeton’s research funding on global warming because it increased “climate anxiety” among young Americans, I thought of the lyrics from musical geniuses Lerner and Lowe’s description of “Camelot” from the play of the same name:
It’s true! It’s true! The crown has made it clear.
The climate must be perfect all the year.
But, alas, we are not living in Camelot — a mythical place dedicated to justice, truth and the Arthurian way. We are living in Mordred-world. You remember Mordred, the traitorous villain of the same tale who rejects “The Seven Deadly Virtues”: courage (“now there’s a sport, an invitation to the state of rigor mort”); honesty (“is fatal and should be taboo”). There are additional clever and timely lyrics, but you get the picture.
Just as Mordred twisted Arthurian practices (and excesses) to his own ends, the Trump administration is doing a powerful job of mocking the academic world. The “climate anxiety” justification for stealing climate change research funds away from Princeton sounds uncomfortably like the extremes of “trigger warnings” cautioned against by many university administrations. It’s true that references to eating disorders, for example, can cause discomfort in students struggling with anorexia. But most university administrations did not ask for more than heightened sensitivity to students’ experiences, not to ban all discussion of the topic. And they never threatened reduction of research funding.
“It is impossible to exaggerate the dire consequences of powering down our country’s mighty university-based research engine.” — John Fry
What we have now in Mordred-land is the cancellation of essential federal funds researching climate change because of alleged “climate anxiety” in some students. Conservatives, with some justification, railed against “cancel culture” as practiced by the left. But now the Trump administration is cancelling important research projects with a demented explanation that they trigger youth apprehension.
I hope readers join me in saying how ridiculous and dangerous this is. And, yes, higher ed needs champions now. We can’t do it alone. It’s necessary for citizens in the business and legal communities to speak out in defense of universities and colleges. And, yes, higher ed leaders should protest Trump’s blackmailing of law firms and all other violations of the Constitution and the rule of law. Tyranny directed at one sector is tyranny directed at all.
Leadership necessary to save democracy
A few university presidents, notably Temple President John Fry and Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber, are showing exemplary leadership and demonstrating the positive side of Mordred’s deadly virtues.
Let’s look at a few of those virtues:
Courage
Fry spoke out eloquently a couple weeks ago in his installation address, asserting among other bold statements, “It is impossible to exaggerate the dire consequences of powering down our country’s mighty university-based research engine.”
It’s important to remember that Temple depends on both federal and state funds, not only for research, but for a portion of operating expenses. And yet Fry bravely said what the audience at his installation needed to hear.
Princeton’s Eisgruber has been speaking out in many venues, including The Atlantic, The New York Times, PBS and NPR. He started out specifically defending another university, Columbia. President Eisgruber is also the Chair of the Board of the American Association of Universities (AAU). This prestigious, invitational group of national research universities issued a statement last week noting the threats to academic freedom that result from the withdrawal of government funding from universities.
Before President Eisgruber’s courageous statements, Princeton was not on the targeted list for removal of research funding. But then quickly it was, with no cogent explanation (except ridiculous reasons like “climate anxiety”). It’s difficult to interpret Princeton’s punishment as anything short of retribution. And still Eisgruber speaks on.
Purity (Integrity)
Both Fry and Eisgruber are leaders who make decisions based on values and principles. Fry reminded the audience at his installation of Temple’s founding principles and mission to the diversity (and he wasn’t afraid to use that word) of Philadelphia citizens. Eisgruber told NPR that no matter the threat to academic freedom, “We make our decisions at Princeton based on our values and our principles.”
Humility
Both leaders refuse to attack other universities. They know that creating division is part of the Trumpian anti-university strategy. They also understand that higher education is not perfect. Reform and innovation are necessary. Humility does not mean being self-effacing. It indicates a willingness to keep on learning — an essential leadership trait.
Honesty
Both leaders are authentic. They don’t sugar coat hard realities. They understand higher education has work to do to regain and solidify the public trust.
Diligence
They do their jobs! I wish that the U. S. Congress would follow their example and do the work the Constitution mandates for them — to be a co-equal section of government, not puppets of an autocratic leader.
Charity
Both leaders show empathy. They are ready to collaborate with other institutions. And this unity and collaboration may be the only way to save us.
Fidelity
Both leaders are faithful to promises made to students, faculty, staff, and the community. On protection of students, we should add Haverford College President Wendy Raymond. Last week Haverford issued special guidance for international students on campus: “Haverford is private property, and our protocols are clear. ICE agents are not permitted on campus without a judicial warrant.”
Tyranny directed at one sector is tyranny directed at all.
These virtuous leadership qualities form a template for behavior in all sectors of society and in daily life. And they are working. On Monday, April 14, Harvard University rejected policy changes requested by the Trump administration, becoming, according to the New York Times, “the first university to directly refuse to comply with the administration’s demands, and setting up a showdown between the federal government and the nation’s wealthiest university.”
Kudos to Harvard President Alan Garber, whose lawyers wrote this in a response to the administration : “The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights. Neither Harvard nor any other private university can allow itself to be taken over by the federal government. Accordingly, Harvard will not accept the government’s terms as an agreement in principle.”
We are confronted now as never before with the threat of living in Mordred-land. Camelot may not be real, but its story is instructive. Round tables are preferable to prison cells. Justice and freedom do not simply happen. We have to fight for them. And we have to fight together, speaking up against the violations directed at our own professions, but also calling out injustices done to others.
Bullies back down. AARP organized a massive protest against new oppressive Social Security rules, and Trump and DOGE retreated. We can once again do business over the phone — if our phone calls are answered. Social Security offices are still decimated, but maybe we can change that, too, if young and old work together.
Camelot may be an idealistic dream, but that doesn’t mean that Mordred will prevail.
What we can do
- Thank John Fry and Christopher Eisgruber for their inspiring leadership.
- Demand that Congressional representatives stop the bullying and blackmail of higher education.
- Demand that Congressional representatives stop the bullying and blackmail of law firms and the attempted bullying of judges.
- Demand that Congressional representatives stop the reign of terror against students and other innocent immigrants
- Speak out against injustices that do not directly affect you personally.
- Collaborate, unite, take action. The AAUP and other groups have designated Thursday, April 17, as a Day of Action to Fight for Higher Education. Peaceably join this group.
And join other groups fighting against illegal and unconstitutional federal actions. The legal profession is planning a Law Day of Action on Thursday, May 1, in 12 cities including Philadelphia. I hope that university constituents and all members of the public will show support for this “Nationwide Stand for the Rule of Law.”
Elaine Maimon, Ph.D., is the author of Leading Academic Change: Vision, Strategy, Transformation. Her long career in higher education has encompassed top executive positions at public universities as well as distinction as a scholar in rhetoric/composition. Her co-authored book, Writing In The Arts and Sciences, has been designated as a landmark text. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the Association for Writing Across the Curriculum.
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