The American Association of Colleges and Universities has just released a statement, “A Call for Constructive Engagement,” that criticizes “undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses” and “the coercive use of public research funding.” https://www.aacu.org/newsroom/a-call-for-constructive-engagement

Nothing in this “call for constructive engagement” should be controversial. The White House’s cancellation of $2.2 billion in funding to Harvard University is currently in the headlines, but the reality is that any university in the U.S. is at risk from an administration that seeks to control what is taught and which viewpoints are permissible on campus. Close to 400 colleges and universities have signed this statement.

As an Iowa State University alumnus, I am disappointed to see that President Wintersteen has so far opted not to sign. Given the current political administration, I recognize that it is a natural inclination to keep one’s head down to avoid attention, but it is especially vital at this time for American colleges and universities to form a strong coalition. I’m reminded of the words of Benjamin Franklin in 1776: “We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.”

Daniel Kueper

LAS ’83