Academic freedom under attack in US

On April 22, several hundred universities, colleges and other centres of learning in the United States issued a joint statement, severely criticising policies under the Trump administration and terming them an attack on academic freedom. It all started when, after assuming power, President Donald Trump's administration denied funding to Colombia University over its failure to prevent pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Succumbing to the Trump administration's demands in the wake of the revocation of $400 million in federal funding over campus protests, Columbia University reportedly made policy changes such as imposing restrictions on demonstrations, introducing new disciplinary procedures and immediately reviewing its Middle East curriculum.

Encouraged by the response from Colombia University, the American government tried to pressurise Harvard University also. President Trump ridiculed the university and sent a letter on April 11 which announced curtailment of federal funding. However, the Harvard University President, Alan M Garber took a stand, asserting in a statement that the "University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights."

Never in the history of America was academic freedom under attack like this - something that reflects an authoritarian mindset of the incumbents, attempting to control the universities' decision-making apparatus. The April 22 statement signed by the presidents of Harvard, Princeton, Brown and Hawaii universities and community colleges assailed "the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education". In their joint statement, the heads of eminent American centres of higher education said, "We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses."

Academic freedom is a fundamental requirement in a democratic society. It means freedom and independence allowed to the administration, faculty and students to pursue their work without any coercion. According to Britannica, academic freedom means, "the freedom of teachers and students to teach, study, and pursue knowledge and research without unreasonable interference or restriction from law, institutional regulations, or public pressure. Its basic elements include the freedom of teachers to inquire into any subject that evokes their intellectual concern; to present their findings to their students, colleagues, and others; to publish their data and conclusions without control or censorship; and to teach in the manner they consider professionally appropriate. For students, the basic elements include the freedom to study subjects that concern them and to form conclusions for themselves and express their opinions."

Putting restrictions on universities under the pretext of preventing anti-Semitism is a blatant interference in the affairs of the centres of higher learning, being carried out under Trump 2.0. The universities challenging the Trump administration's excesses cite the first amendment to the American constitution which guarantees freedoms of speech, religion, assembly, press and petition. Many universities have approached federal courts to prevent the Trump administration from what they call usurping their rights and curtailing academic freedom under the pretext of tackling pro-Hamas demonstrations.

On April 21, Harvard University filed a lawsuit in the federal court in Boston to block President Trump from freezing billions of dollars in federal funding in major research programmes. In its lawsuit, the Harvard University made it clear that "this case involves the government's efforts to use the withholding of federal funding as leverage to gain control of academic decision making at Harvard." The Harvard University president alleged that the "Trump administration's actions were arbitrary and unlawful and violated university's First Amendment rights to free speech." Instead of regretting its decision to curtail funding to Harvard and other universities and colleges, the Trump administration argues that "tax payer's funds are a privilege, and Harvard fails to meet the basic conditions required to access that privilege."

By defending its attempts to curtail federal funding to higher educational centers of learning, particularly Ivy League universities, the Trump administration has deepened schism in American society. This attack on academic freedom in the US needs to be analysed from three angles.

First is the surge of mediocre and below mediocre culture in America patronised by ultra conservative segment of the Republican Party and the Trump administration. By attacking academic freedom and culture of dissent which is the hallmark of American universities, Trump wants to destroy the pillars of democracy and impose an authoritarian culture. Unfortunately, there are elements within the American society who support Trump's dictatorial measures to destroy centres of higher learning famous worldwide for their excellence, creativity and innovation. But the damage done by the Trump administration to universities can only be repaired if the leadership of academia collectively refuses to adhere to such measures.

Second, it is certain that federal courts and other courts will nullify the Trump administration's acts against American centres of higher learning because in the US justice system there is still a degree of freedom. The battle for academic freedom got an impetus because on April 15, more than 60 past and present college and university presidents signed an open letter stating that, "they strongly support" the Harvard University president's rejection of steps taken by the Trump administration. Henceforth, it is going to be a legal and academic battle. Civil society groups and other organisations supporting academic freedom will also play a pivotal role in the ongoing struggle for protecting rights and independence in American campuses. Academic freedom is the first line of defence for democracy in the US which the Trump administration is trying to mitigate. How the Democratic Party, which is the main challenger to Trump, will react remains to be seen. Democratic members in Senate and House of Representatives are expected to present resolutions condemning attempts to curb academic freedom.

Third, saner elements in the Republican Party are understood to question Trump's policies to curb academic freedom and curtail federal funding for universities. If academic community in the US remains united and continues struggle by filing lawsuits and holding demonstrations, it will give a big blow to the Republican Party in the mid-term elections due in November 2026. Senator Bernie Sanders and others are playing a leading role against Trump's authoritarian policies, including acts against foreign students and immigrants.