Recent actions by elite higher education institutions, like Penn's acceptance of government oversight, raise concerns about the future of democracy. The Penn student paper criticized its school for betraying democratic principles, warning of a legacy of welcoming tyranny. The normalization of these behaviors is alarming, as influential figures in academia fail to uphold essential values. The capitulation reflects a troubling trend within higher ed, positioning it away from its role as a defender of democratic ideals. Without a collective acknowledgment of these failures, the future of free inquiry is at risk.
If we get through this period with our democracy intact rather than sliding into a Hungary-like competitive authoritarianism, it will be a significant achievement.
The editorial board for the Penn student paper stated that Penn will be remembered as the school that 'welcomed tyranny' with open arms.
It is concerning that a major institution paying out extortion money in response to a nonmeritorious investigation indicates a troubling state for higher education.
The actions of elite institutions like Penn and Columbia undermine the role of higher education as a crucial component of democratic institutions.
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