Four Maine higher education leaders, including Safa Zaki of Bowdoin College, have joined over 230 college presidents in signing a letter accusing the Trump administration of unprecedented government overreach and interference. The letter, published by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, opposes government intrusion in the lives of those on college campuses and calls for an end to federal interference. The leaders argue for open inquiry on campuses without fear of censorship or deportation.
The Trump administration has threatened to pull funding from institutions that don’t comply with its agenda on student protests, admissions practices, and transgender athlete policies, as well as revoking visas of international students. In response, the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine has filed a lawsuit to restore visas of affected students.
The college presidents warn of the harm that federal sanctions could bring to higher education institutions, impacting access to education and research. They emphasize the importance of universities as places of intellectual richness and contributions to society. The letter comes amid ongoing tensions between the administration and universities, with Harvard and Columbia recently facing challenges over proposed policy changes.
The letter has gained additional signatures from colleges across the country, including Ivy League institutions. The signatories are calling for constructive engagement to improve institutions and protect freedoms in American higher education. The story is developing, with more leaders adding their support to the letter.
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