On Tuesday, more than 200 college presidents and other university officials across the United States signed onto a letter titled “A Call for Constructive Engagement.”
The letter protests political overreach by President Donald Trump’s administration, and the schools that signed range from the nationally acclaimed Massachusetts Institute of Technology to the tiny Carolina Christian College, which has just 70 students.
Glaringly, Lehigh’s name is not on the list, even though Lafayette College, Muhlenberg College and DeSales University — Lehigh’s neighbors — have signed the letter. Even Columbia University, which has come under fire for caving into the demands of Trump’s administration, has renewed its commitment to its students and staff by signing the letter.
Lehigh’s absence is loud. And the lack of comment from our university is ironically speaking volumes.
Without any acknowledgement, Lehigh has yet to sign the letter, leaving its student body with questions — why not? What else is being done? What measures, if any, is the university is willing to take to protect its students against this overreach?
The letter states the universities who signed it are willing to work with the government in order to promote the “common good” and capitulate to “legitimate government oversight.” However, more than anything, they want to promote the freedom to learn and the pursuit of truth — the very things these universities stand for.
“Our colleges and universities share a commitment to serve as centers of open inquiry where, in their pursuit of truth, faculty, students, and staff are free to exchange ideas and opinions across a full range of viewpoints without fear of retribution, censorship, or deportation,” the letter stated.
At Lehigh, many students, professors and faculty are validly worried as they feel the weight of the Trump administration’s demands. These include attacks on actions to target diversity, equity and inclusion programs — through Executive Order 14173 and Executive Order 14151 — as well as executive orders and investigations into universities with large pro-Palestine protests, immigrants and other marginalized groups.
Even though things may feel shockingly “normal” on campus while walking to a lecture hall in Lewis Labs or sitting through your work study, the looming threat of these attacks on higher education in the U.S. is ever present. It feels as though the sanctity of our university is under attack, especially as the Department of Homeland Security has already revoked “a few” international students’ visas.
In an email sent to the Lehigh community about these visa revocations, the Lehigh administration offered little more than platitudes and a vague promise to “provide clarity and offer as much support as possible when answers remain uncertain.”
According to the email, “The university is working with these students to ensure they are aware of available resources and understand their rights, as well as their options for continuing their academic programs.”
Many are also hoping the university will provide more than this. We’re waiting for a message saying it’s ready to take action, letting community members, especially those most at risk, know the university will try to support them in any way it can.
In his war against higher education in the U.S., Trump is specifically attacking research funding. But more than that, he’s attacking a necessary branch of American innovation supporting healthcare and other scientific breakthroughs, and it’s being done in an attempt to dismantle the education of young people.
If Lehigh were to lose federal funding, which makes up around 10% of the university’s budget, 20% of its grant portfolio would be threatened. This money goes toward research and supports the critical projects of many members of our community.
Similarly, at Harvard University, interrupted funding goes toward research grants which support community members who are studying an abundance of new technologies, such as a possible life saving treatment for tuberculosis and medication that has the potential to treat the effects of chemotherapy radiation.
But unlike Harvard, Lehigh didn’t sign the “A Call for Constructive Engagement” letter. We understand the fear of losing money that supports critical university programs. But what’s even scarier is sticking out like a sore thumb among universities who are taking a strong stand.
The Trump administration is not only attacking these universities and their research. It’s attacking the foundations of democracy. Education is power, and authoritarian-leaning leaders from Moussilini to McCarthy have tried to rip it from the grasp of the people.
Until Lehigh takes a stand, it’s up to us to remember the value in higher education and the danger facing it. But it’s ultimately up to Lehigh to fight back to the administration. And we’re waiting.
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13 Comments
I and several of my fellow Lehigh Alumni have emailed Lehigh president Helble and the administration urging that Lehigh sign the letter
Glad to see that Lehigh is not following the Herd mentality but recognizing that some of its actions have consequences & not just for funding but protection of certain other students being persecuted on campus.
A plethera of Kehigh Students have spoken out at City Council & are quite frankly “off the rails” in their demands.
Hoping Lehigh stands tall against this misguided crusade.
Since when did academia have seek the government’s blessing? Amazing that you would champion what amounts to a blatant attempt to suppress free speech.
Dear Students,
As a Lehigh Alum I have also noted that Lehigh has neither signed nor commented on the Call for Engagement letter. Shame on Lehigh! I emailed President Helble, the Alumni office, and others at Lehigh to express my concerns and ask that they sign the letter. Keep up the good work bringing these issues to everyone’s attention! You have Alumni support. Who knows if Lehigh doesn’t come up with a good reason for not signing I might direct my Lehigh donation to Lafayette!
Florrie Stoffel ‘79
I am one of the alumni who wrote an email to Helble asking why. It’s not just that he refused to sign, it’s that he refuses to give a rationale for such a decision. This is not the hallmark of strong, transparent leadership.
I stumbled on this as I was writing to Bernie Sanders about his upcoming visit to Lehigh University. I asked if he could comment on institutions choosing to sign the letter. It could be interesting.
Regards,
Dave S.
Lafayette ’81
Dave, I like this approach. Bernie Sanders could do a lot to motivate students to push administration to take action. How did you write to him?
Laina S ’05
Laina, I sent email via his website, berniesanders.com.
Dave
“The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. (Carl Sagan)” Speculating without facts can lead to flawed conclusions. That being said, it is unfortunate human nature to speculate without facts. Hearing Lehigh’s rationale for not signing the letter (or that Lehigh is still contemplating signing), would not only be informative but also be a “learning moment” for students, alumni, and the Lehigh community. “To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing. (Aristotle)”
One further point, Based on my own quick review, of the ten Patriot League schools, if you set aside (for obvious reasons) West Point and the Naval Academy:
Signed: American; Boston University; Bucknell; Colgate; Holy Cross; Lafayette. Not Signed: Lehigh; Loyola.
David Polakoff ’86
It’s truly disheartening to read the editorial expressing disappointment that our university didn’t sign “A Call For Constructive Engagement.” While the spirit of open dialogue is important, it seems to completely miss the mark on the urgent need to protect our Jewish students right now.
Where is the outrage in the editorial about the very real fear and intimidation Jewish students are facing on campuses across the country? Where is the call for their constructive engagement, free from harassment and antisemitism?
Instead of lamenting the lack of a signature on a particular letter, shouldn’t the focus be on ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students? It’s frankly shocking that the Brown and White, claiming to reflect the values of Lehigh’s community seems so tone-deaf to the genuine distress of a vulnerable segment of our university community.
My support unequivocally lies with our Jewish students who deserve to feel safe, respected, and protected on their own campus. The university’s priority should be addressing their concerns and actively working to combat antisemitism, not signing letters that seemingly downplay the gravity of the situation.
This article is really powerful! The author’s points are sharp and thought-provoking. I hope more universities will stand up for the value of education. Well done!
“Can the Can”t.” Trump is telling Universities and Colleges what they can and can’t do under the guise of concern for antisemitism, woke ideology and “unqualified” DEI folks. Lehigh taught me what I can do, not what I can’t. Has Lehigh’s philosophy changed? Since when?
Steve Laracuente
Class of ’74/’75
I agree FAILED leadership! I urge Lehigh to sign.
Don Forrester BSChE MD FACPE
Class 1970