Higher Education in Crisis: Jonathan Zimmerman’s Call for Self-Examination Amidst Political Threats

Professor Jonathan Zimmerman of the University of Pennsylvania has published a compelling essay in Liberties, a journal known for its insightful commentary on contemporary issues. His piece, titled "The President and the Universities," opens with a striking observation from a March 2021 meeting of American education scholars in Washington, D.C.

Six weeks after Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the panel focused on his administration’s threats to university funding and free speech on campuses. Zimmerman, however, raised a critical question: What role have educators played in shaping this moment?

He asked whether higher education professionals had contributed—through action or inaction—to the current crisis. His suggestion to "look in the mirror" instead of "circling the wagons" sparked an immediate backlash.

Audience member objected, stating that the phrase "circle the wagons" carries harmful historical connotations tied to Native American displacement and genocide. The moderator swiftly intervened, cautioning the audience to be mindful of language. The panel, intended to address free speech under threat, ended with a reprimand rather than a substantive discussion.

Zimmerman argues this exchange reveals a fundamental loss of faith in universities’ commitment to democratic dialogue. For decades, higher education has positioned itself as an advocate for open discourse and mutual understanding. Yet, in practice, Zimmerman suggests, institutions often avoid self-criticism in favor of moral posturing.

The moderator’s response shut down meaningful debate, leaving Zimmerman’s question—about the need for introspection in academia—unanswered. Instead of fostering dialogue, the panel concluded with a superficial resolution, and attendees proceeded to lunch, symbolizing higher education’s detachment from its own challenges.

Zimmerman warns that universities face a growing crisis of public trust long before Trump’s presidency. Rising tuition costs paired with questionable educational value have fueled skepticism across political lines. He argues that simply resisting political interference is insufficient; institutions must also confront their own shortcomings.

"We cannot simply circle the wagons," Zimmerman writes. "We need to look in the mirror."