Patricia McGuire, a steadfast advocate for her students at Trinity Washington University, a predominantly Black and Hispanic institution near the White House, has been vocal against what she terms the “Trump administration’s wholesale assault on freedom of speech and human rights.” In her 36-year tenure as president, McGuire expressed feeling isolated as a lonely voice challenging an agenda she believes requires a robust response from higher education.
The discourse grew louder when Harvard University President Alan Garber opposed the Trump administration’s demands to revamp its operations, hiring, and admissions. In response, Trump called for the IRS to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status.
This conflict with Harvard is part of Trump’s efforts to remake education and scrutinize elite schools, starting with allegations of antisemitism related to campus protests over Israel’s actions in Gaza post-Hamas attacks in October 2023.
Garber asserted that no government should dictate what private universities teach or whom they admit and hire, a sentiment encouraged by faculty and students. Students and faculty at Brown and Yale seek similar stances from their presidents.
Many view this as a potential start of resistance in higher education. “Harvard’s move gives others permission to come out on the ice a little,” McGuire said, calling out presidents who avoid drawing attention. Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, noted that Harvard’s decision could empower other institutions to resist administrative demands, as stated in an NPR interview.
Stanford President Jonathan Levin quickly supported Harvard, emphasizing that change should not undermine scientific research or let the government dominate private institutions. Former President Barack Obama urged others to join this effort.
Before Harvard’s stance, few leaders like Delta College’s Michael Gavin and Princeton’s Christopher Eisgruber had spoken out. Among over 70 education leaders endorsing Garber’s defiance, only a few were current college presidents.
Speaking against Trump incurs risks. The administration retaliated against Harvard by freezing $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts. McGuire emphasized the need for collective action, noting Trinity’s lack of federal grants and endowment.
About 15% of Trinity’s students, many undocumented, live in fear of deportation under Trump policies. “We need the elites with the clout and financial strength we don’t have,” McGuire said. Other colleges, like Occidental, are challenging immigration policies and protecting international and undocumented students.
Occidental President Tom Stritikus signed an amicus brief on visa revocation and student detention. He expressed concern over students’ fear and instability, advocating for “collective action” among colleges.
Over 210 institutions report over 1,400 international students facing legal status changes, according to Inside Higher Ed. Occidental is offering resources and guidance for affected students and faculty. Stritikus remains hopeful, stating, “Our higher education system has been the envy of the world.”
McGuire at Trinity Washington continues to rally other college presidents to take a firm stand. “You will never regret doing what is right, but if you allow yourself to be co-opted, you will have regret,” she said.
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