Trump actions could force a recession for colleges, R.I. higher ed leader says

Boston Globe

3 days ago

Brown University is facing the most pressure, with dozens of
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'They're well on the way to achieving that,' Egan said.
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The Trump administration has cut scores of research, particularly involving race and LGBTQ+ people, arguing it amounts to diversity, equity and inclusion and does not serve public health. The cuts include
The crackdown on DEI, plans to block international student visas, and proposed changes to student aid could all imperil universities, Egan said.
'Clearly there's a desire to change the way higher education operates,' Egan said. 'There will be an opportunity or a chance that great harm will be inflicted on the sector going forward.'
Brown president Christina Paxson has declined interviews about the Trump cuts, citing the uncertainty around future funding. Egan, who lobbies for Brown and the other colleges, said House Republicans' proposed increase to the
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Layoffs would be likely if all of the proposed cuts come to fruition, Egan said. A Brown spokesperson said Friday the university has still not received 'any demands or formal notification' about the $510 million proposed cut.
'That will harm small businesses, local businesses, local communities, when folks are no longer working and part of the community and part of the economic engine that is higher ed,' Egan said.
Rhode Island's other colleges do not yet meet the threshold for their endowments to be taxed under the proposal.
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Asked about Brown's high
He said higher education has a major impact on the economy as one of the top employment sectors in the state.
'For those that question the economic impact, you need to go look at some of those local businesses, the pizza shops, the dry cleaners,' Egan said.
Financial woes for New England colleges predate Trump, Egan noted. A lower birthrate in the Northeast compared to other regions of the country means fewer students are turning college-aged each year. Johnson & Wales University
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In Trump's spending package, dubbed the '
The Trump administration has said the loan limits are 'reasonable,' and called the Pell changes "
The
Egan also noted that international students tend to pay the full price tag for college, unlike American students who can access federal aid, so blocking student visas would further hurt the universities' bottom line.
'I find it ironic that around the globe we're the envy of the world in higher education, but yet in our own country, from not only our leaders but the general public, we're not seen in even a similar or equal light,' Egan said.
Watch the RI PBS Weekly interview in the player above, or listen to an extended version on the
Steph Machado can be reached at