Why a University President Champions Courage Over Cowardice: A Compelling Call to Action

Last Friday felt like spring at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Students lounged on green hills with their books and laptops. The campus buzzed with prospective students and baseball practice was in full swing. Yet, beneath this idyllic scene, the reality of higher education in the U.S. in 2025 is grim.

The second Trump Administration has taken aim at colleges and universities. Recently, it announced investigations into diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at over fifty institutions. They’re cutting hundreds of millions in federal funding from schools like Johns Hopkins and the University of Pennsylvania. International students involved in pro-Palestinian activism face deportation. Columbia University received a letter ordering changes to its policies that could affect its funding by $400 million. Following these demands, the university quickly complied, leading to the resignation of its president just a week later.

This pattern of surrender reflects a growing caution among university leaders, shaped by memories of previous scrutiny from Congress. Many administrators now seem hesitant to voice their opinions for fear of repercussions. However, a few have stood out for their courage. Notably, Christopher Eisgruber, the president of Princeton, has written about the government’s pressures. Yet, few match the outspoken nature of Michael Roth, president of Wesleyan since 2007.

Roth, also a historian and Wesleyan alum, has examined issues around colleges and society in his works. His writing has become increasingly political, especially after Wesleyan’s decision to end legacy admissions in response to a Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action. When students protested the war in Gaza, Roth found himself in a difficult position, balancing his support for free speech with the protests on campus.

Roth criticizes the “Kalven Report,” which argues that universities should remain neutral. He believes this stance often masks a desire to avoid controversy. As the administration intensifies its pressure on institutions, Roth has urged his peers to stand firm. He recently argued in a column that the arrest of a student activist should alarm every college president.

In a conversation with Roth, he expressed concern that the current climate is worse than he anticipated. In 2020, before the pandemic, he hoped colleges would engage students in civic duties. By 2024, however, many institutions were hesitant to support even nonpartisan efforts. His Democracy 2024 program aimed to encourage participation in elections but has been met with widespread reticence among academic leaders.

Roth noted that the urgency of protecting free speech and civic engagement has never been more vital. Watching videos of students being harassed by federal agents fuels his belief that the government is instilling fear rather than security.

The sentiments Roth expresses resonate beyond campus walls. Many students and faculty members share growing anxieties about academic freedom and governmental oversight. Social media has become a platform for these concerns, with hashtags like #DefendAcademicFreedom trending as students rally for their rights.

In a time when education is under intense scrutiny, the actions and reactions of institutions like Wesleyan will significantly influence the landscape of higher education. Roth’s insistence on standing up for free speech reflects a wider call for institutions to prioritize the principles that foster a healthy, democratic society.

Check out this related article: Discover Meghan O’Rourke’s Insights on the Future of Higher Education: Is This the End of the University as We Know It?

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higher education,wesleyan university,politics,authoritarianism,freedom of speech