Resistance against authoritarianism in education is challenging but necessary. The Trump administration has targeted LGBTQ+ students and imposed policies that undermine educational integrity. Education leaders face tough choices: uphold values like equity or succumb to political pressure. Inaction, even when disguised as neutrality, has consequences.
The administration has demanded that state education leaders dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives or face financial penalties. Such mandates threaten the core principles of access and truth in education. Other MAGA-aligned efforts seek to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, remove protections for students with disabilities, and censor educational content on sensitive topics.
Education leaders have options: disengagement, vigilance, or capitulation. Disengagement ignores national politics, focusing instead on educational operations. This may offer temporary stability but ultimately leaves vulnerable students unprotected. Vigilance involves waiting and hoping legal systems will counteract these threats, yet this passive approach risks inaction until it’s too late.
Capitulation occurs when institutions like Columbia University comply with government pressure to eliminate DEI policies. Such actions are a retreat from ethical responsibilities, inviting further authoritarian control. Resistance, however, can take various forms, such as refusing unconstitutional directives and defending inclusion. It is a moral duty for educators to stand firm against authoritarian demands.
Resistance is not without risk, as defying these authoritarian measures can lead to funding cuts and personal attacks. Yet, education leaders like Princeton’s Christopher Eisgruber and Harvard’s Alan Garber have demonstrated principled courage. The costs of not resisting authoritarianism are immense, as bending to such pressures threatens the very fabric of educational values and democracy.
Authoritarianism is strengthened by compliance but weakened by resistance. Education leaders must remain resolute for the survival of democratic ideals. Students are observing these actions, understanding the importance of standing firm against oppressive forces.
Jason E. Glass is associate vice president for teaching and learning at Western Michigan University. He previously served as state education chief in Kentucky and Iowa, and as a school superintendent in Colorado.
Contact the opinion editor at opinion@hechingerreport.org.
This story about education leaders’ response to authoritarianism was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for Hechinger’s weekly newsletter.
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