THE ROLE and MISSION of HIGHER EDUCATION IS UNDER INTENSE PRESSURE

Higher Education Is Under Pressure—But Resistance Is Rising

In recent months, I’ve grown increasingly alarmed by the political and financial pressures mounting against U.S. institutions of higher education. State legislatures, federal agencies, and coordinated interest groups have launched what can only be described as a sustained attack on academic freedom, diversity, and public funding.

As someone who has dedicated time, philanthropy, and purpose to higher education, from Indiana University to Emory’s Goizueta Business School,I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of these institutions.

They shape futures, incubate innovation, and help young people find purpose, belonging, and direction.

And yet, across the country, public and private universities are being forced to choose between their mission and their survival.

Today, I’m writing not just to share my concern, but to share hope.

Institutions Are Starting to Push Back

In a bold move, Harvard University recently stood up to mounting political pressure from the U.S. Department of Education and the Executive Branch. Despite threats to its federal funding and tax-exempt status, Harvard refused to alter its academic independence or penalize student protestors engaged in free expression. In doing so, they reaffirmed a bedrock principle: universities must be places where ideas can be debated, not dictated. Now, Harvard is suing the Trump Administration and over 150 schools have signed on the “push back” together. That gives me some hope.

Even more encouraging is the collective action now emerging from public institutions. This month, the Big Ten Academic Alliance—representing leading public universities across the Midwest—announced the formation of a Mutual Defense Compact, uniting faculty and leadership to safeguard academic freedom, human rights, and free speech.

As a Big Ten graduate, this brought me immense pride. These universities are sending a clear message: attacks on one will not be tolerated by all. I wish Indiana University would/ could do not more, but for now, I will celebrate any accomplishments. That’s how real change happens—through unity, conviction, and shared values.

Why This Matters

The attacks on higher education come in many forms:

• Budget Cuts & Funding Restrictions: Public universities rely on state and federal funding. Legislatures in states like Florida and Texas are slashing budgets, particularly targeting programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Now, so of our most celebrated and vaunted institutions are borrowing money at high interest rates and issuing bonds in order to continue their operations. That has so many negative future ramifications, it is impossible to list them all.

• Political Influence on Curriculum: Certain states are imposing restrictions on what can be taught, particularly in history, gender studies, and racial justice. Academic freedom—the core of a university’s purpose—is under siege.

  We expect our Universities to open minds and encourage critical thinking. These actions are the complete opposite reality.

• Mission Abandonment: As universities face financial pressures, they are forced to scale back programs, eliminate tenure protections, and shift away from disciplines that are critical to a well-rounded society. We also need these colleges and universities to develop global awareness and literacy. These realities have dire consequences for the world community.

This is not just a crisis for students or educators. It is a crisis for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and communities. America’s most successful industries—from tech to healthcare—depend on world-class research and critical thinking. Universities produce not only the next generation of leaders but the very ideas and innovations that drive our economy forward.

If we allow public universities to be gutted and all universities to be muzzled, we are complicit in the decline of a system that has long been a beacon of opportunity

What Can We Do?

I won’t sit on the sidelines, and neither should you. Here’s how we can take action:

1. Advocate for Public Higher Education

   • Contact your state representatives and demand full funding for public universities.

   • Support organizations like the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and PEN America, which fight for academic freedom.

2. Support Your Alma Mater & Local Universities

   • Many universities are increasingly reliant on private philanthropy. Direct your donations toward programs that are under threat, such as scholarships, DEI initiatives, or research grants.

   • Mentor students, sponsor internships, and engage with university leadership to show that alumni care.

3. Speak Out

   • Use your voice. Whether through social media, op-eds, or conversations in your community, make it clear that this issue matters.

   • I will continue to use my platform—including my upcoming podcast Jim Fielding & Friends—to highlight the importance of higher education. I invite university leaders, students, and advocates to join the conversation.

A Defining Moment for Higher Education

This is more than a budget debate or a policy disagreement. It’s a battle for the soul of higher education—and by extension, the future of our democracy.

The courage shown by Harvard, the solidarity demonstrated by the Big Ten universities, and the groundswell of support from alumni and faculty across the country give me hope.

Now is the time to build on that momentum. Let’s make sure this is not the end of the story—but the beginning of a movement.

Higher education is under attack, but it is not beyond saving. It will take all of us—business leaders, alumni, students, and citizens—to protect one of the greatest assets our country has.

I would love to hear your thoughts. What are you seeing on your local campuses? How can we work together to fight for the future of learning?

Let’s take action.

With purpose,
Jim