Latest news with #Pasquerella
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Davidson College joins more than 360 colleges in letter fighting government interference in higher education
DAVIDSON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — In just over 100 days into his second term, President Trump has worked to dismantle diversity, cut federal research funding, and battled 'wokeness' — and now he's targeting higher education. President Lynn Pasquerella of the American Association of Colleges and Universities says that after the White House fights with Columbia University and Harvard University, it was time to make a statement. PREVIOUS: 'And that we should engage in collective action in terms of creating momentum that will safeguard the principles of academic freedom, shared governance, and institutional autonomy that are foundational to American higher education,' Pasquerella said. Pasquerella says that means defending the free exchange of ideas and finding truth. She claims the president's recent executive orders are threatening those ideals. 'This is not something that we've come up with recently as a result of a change in administration or policies. But they are enshrined in Supreme Court decisions. 1957 decision in Sweezy v New Hampshire said academic freedom includes the right to determine who gets admitted, what is taught, how it is taught, and by whom,' she said. 'At that time, made it clear to the American public. He was not going to tolerate illegalharassment in anti-Semitism taking place in violation of federal law,' said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. This week, the Trump administration froze billions in grant dollars to Harvard University. The President previously ordered Columbia University to change many of its policies. He cites acts of anti-Semitism on major campuses and 'wokeness' in admissions policies. Now, Harvard and Columbia are among the more than 360 signees of a letter asking the president for constructive engagement about education. 'We're an advocacy organization, and so we intend to serve our member institutions through our mission. And our mission is to advance the democratic purposes of higher education by promoting equity, innovation, excellence, and liberal education. So we believe there's this inextricable link between liberal education and our nation's historic mission of educating for democracy,' said Pasquerella. At least three North Carolina colleges — Davidson, Duke University, and Wake Forest University have signed the letter in solidarity. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
AAC&U president reaffirms higher education's purpose
WILLIMANTIC — Dr. Lynn Pasquerella, one of the nation's leading advocates for higher education, recently visited Eastern Connecticut State University for a special discussion with students, faculty and staff. As president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), Pasquerella reaffirmed the vital role of higher education at a time when it faces scrutiny in an increasingly polarized world. 'Colleges and universities are facing an existential threat,' Pasquerella said. 'For the first time, higher education is no longer viewed as the cornerstone of the American dream but, (in some circles) as the enemy.'
