The Trump administration’s moves against colleges are part of its broader antidemocratic campaign against independent institutions and sources of power. Liberals must defend universities to defend democracy.

How is Trump changing our sense of who we are? We asked eminent Yale historian David W. Blight to round up some colleagues to consider the question. Here’s what they had to say.

Yes, they’re under pressure. But maybe a lot of these leaders kinda like what Trump’s doing. Just remember: Trump was defeated once before.

The press acts as if “higher education” = Harvard. But a more interesting and gutsier stand is being taken in the heartland by schools that have a lot more going for them than football.

Ryan had not fought Trump on DEI and other matters. His forced ouster proves that no capitulation is enough.

Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” is an extinction-level event for higher education that would annihilate the country’s intellectual potential.

Donald Trump had attempted to block Harvard from admitting international students.

If the GOP really cared about meritocracy, they wouldn’t gut programs that help low-income students—especially those who also have a job or care for a child—earn a college degree.

Donald Trump’s administration has been targeting international students.

Donald Trump claimed protests broke out in Harlem, New York, to support his crackdown on Harvard.

Some on the scientific and medical research side might consider that giving in never buys you enduring calm. It just invites the next shakedown.

The national security chat debacle certainly merits attention. But the Trump administration is now blatantly disappearing students and others who are in the country legally.

America’s colleges and universities enrich everyone in ways that aren’t often acknowledged. It’s high time to remind Americans of them.

The Trump administration’s cynical use of antisemitism to justify a crackdown will endanger many Jews.

Trump’s executive order on women’s sports is officially taking effect.

Donald Trump has called on Christopher Rufo.

Fighting toxic crosscurrents from all directions, Holloway concluded that he didn’t sign up for needing a constant police detail.

Some take the view that anti-Zionism is never antisemitic. Others say it always is. Both are wrong—and both obstruct honest dialogue.

Without being exposed to diversity and disagreement, college students won’t learn how to think for themselves.

Donald Trump’s key base is starting to slip towards Kamala Harris.