Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco and UMass President Marty Meehan joined more than 150 university administrators across the country April 22 in signing a letter opposing government interference in higher education.
The letter was published by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, a nonprofit organization that aims to advance “the democratic purposes of higher education by promoting equity, innovation, and excellence in liberal education.” UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes and UMass Chan Medical School Chancellor Michael Collins are also among the signees.
“We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses,” the letter states. “We will always seek effective and fair financial practices, but we must reject the coercive use of public research funding.”
In March, the Trump administration froze $400 million in funding to Columbia University until the university agreed to a list of demands, which included placing its Middle Eastern, South Asian and African Studies Department in “academic receivership” and changes to the student discipline and protest policies.
Last month, the administration froze more than $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard University after it said it would not comply with a similar list of demands. A lawsuit seeking to restore the funds is pending in federal court according to court documents.
“America’s system of higher learning is as varied as the goals and dreams of the students it serves,” the letter states. “Some institutions are designed for all students, and others are dedicated to serving particular groups. Yet, American institutions of higher learning have in common the essential freedom to determine, on academic grounds, whom to admit and what is taught, how, and by whom.”
Since taking office, Trump has also opposed diversity, equity and inclusion programs and made significant cuts to the Department of Education.
In recent weeks, Suárez-Orozco has been more outspoken about threats facing higher education. In addition to signing the letter, he sent an email April 5 about student visa revocations and he addressed the topic at length during a campus update session April 16, during which he directly responded to protestors.
He had previously faced criticism for remaining largely silent, only directly addressing the topic twice in public. He and six other administrators also declined to appear at a town hall meeting with union members Feb. 18.
A spokesperson for the chancellor declined to comment on the letter. “The statement speaks for itself,” he said. The UMass President’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
The letter concludes, “On behalf of our current and future students, and all who work at and benefit from our institutions, we call for constructive engagement that improves our institutions and serves our republic.”
