Trump and the silencing of America’s universities

The 1960s and 1970s saw a significant shift in the academic landscape, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. This period marked the emergence of a counter-western narrative, where third-world literatures gained prominence, and the master narratives of the West were challenged. As a result, the idea of independence, rewriting histories, and promoting democracy and freedom became increasingly important, as is evident in the student uprisings in the volatile 1960s. Students sought freedom in the classroom and university, leading to massive demonstrations against the establishment as well as against the Vietnam War. Aimé Césaire’s Discourse on Colonialism, Frantz Fanon’s The Wretched of the Earth, and Edward Said’s Orientalism became the seminal works introduced in the humanities curriculum.

These counter-narratives questioned the West’s idea of white supremacy, describing the strife between the coloniser and the colonised, and paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse academic environment. However, the Trump regime is attempting to undermine this progress by suppressing such discourses of marginalised communities with its impact on universities in mainly two key areas of concern: the defunding of certain critical courses that oppose right-wing ideology, and the clampdown on Palestinian students and supporters of the Palestinian cause. Both issues are closely tied to the university setting.

The rise of the far right

Mr. Trump’s administration has targeted university programmes and courses that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for defunding. Specifically, the subjects that may be impacted include: diversity and inclusion studies that promote multiplicity, equity, and inclusion on campus, and critical race theory that explores the intersection of race and power in society. Gender Studies, African American Studies, Latinx Studies, Asian American Studies and Native American studies may also face funding cuts, not only undermining academic freedom but also perpetuating a culture of ignorance and intolerance.

The rise of the far-right ideology, consequently, poses a significant threat to academic freedom and intellectual dissent, a danger to the emerging world order. Trumpism, with its emphasis on white supremacy, misogyny, and virulent nationalism, symbolises this significant threat. Its agenda to suppress research in “left-wing” areas is a blatant attempt to silence centres of higher learning and stifle critical thinking. This silencing is not new, as universities have historically been sites of struggle for marginalised communities. But it is important to draw parallels between the current state of affairs and the post-independence era in universities worldwide, where there was a surge in studying African and Latin American literatures, gender studies and ecofeminism, Third World cultural studies and anti-war literature. These academic movements challenged dominant narratives and sought to dismantle the binary systems that perpetuated inequality and totalitarianism.

Revisiting Mr. Trump’s last presidency, we see a strong leaning towards unilateralism, particularly in his immigration policies. His “America First” approach led to the implementation of several controversial measures, including the travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries and the construction of a border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

And, more recently, he has gone after the Palestinian sympathisers. Understandably, Mr. Trump’s immigration policies are deeply rooted in his nationalist and populist ideology, which emphasises the need to protect American jobs and culture from perceived external threats. This ideology has been criticised for being discriminatory and xenophobic, with many arguing that it is a form of ultra-nationalism that borders on Nazism.

Mr. Trump’s presidency has been marked by several contentious executive orders, two of which sparked widespread debate and criticism. The first order, signed in 2017, banned immigration from several Muslim-majority countries, prompting a strong reaction from university presidents across the U.S. In a joint letter, presidents of over 50 universities urged Mr. Trump to rescind the order, arguing that it contradicted America’s long-standing tradition of embracing diversity and welcoming people from various nations and faiths. They emphasised that immigrant students have significantly contributed to the country’s growth in various fields, including technology, research, and labour.

Chill in the campus

However, a similar outcry was noticeably absent when in his second presidency, Mr. Trump signed another order that effectively targeted individuals guilty of being Palestinian sympathisers. Clearly, Mr. Trump’s policies have had a profound impact on universities and international students, particularly those who speak out against injustice and promote diversity. The crackdown on Palestinian students and voices that counter Mr. Trump’s views on Israel has created a chilling effect on campuses, with many students and faculty members fearing repercussions for speaking out. This silence is particularly concerning, as educational institutions should be promoting diversity, inclusivity, and free speech, rather than punishing those who speak out against genocide. The irony is that America has greatly benefited from immigrant contributions to its economic, intellectual, social, and cultural progress.

But Mr. Trump’s ideology has led to a surge in anti-Palestinian sentiment, with some politicians calling for the deportation of foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests.

This has created a culture of fear and intimidation on campuses. Many students and faculty members are hesitant to speak out against injustice, fearing that they will be targeted, harassed, or even deported. This is particularly concerning for international students, who may face visa restrictions, deportation, or other forms of retaliation for speaking out against Mr. Trump’s policies. The silencing of dissenting voices on campuses has far-reaching implications for democracy, free speech, and human rights.

Part of a narrative

Mr. Trump’s anti-immigrant discourse is not just about creating a scapegoat. It is part of a broader narrative that aims to re-establish nationalist patriotic values and targets globalisation. His opposition to uncontrolled immigration is linked to his critique of globalisation processes, which he sees as leading to job losses for American workers. This ideology has become a sort of new populist movement that is being embraced by right-wing movements in Europe and elsewhere.

In this context, the role of intellectuals becomes crucial in countering Mr. Trump’s brand of leadership that rejects integration with other communities and promotes a selfish, self-centered agenda. It is essential for scholars, experts, and thinkers to mobilise public opinion, challenge discriminatory policies, and advocate progressive values, thereby recognising and taking a stand against the apartheid state engineered by Mr. Trump. As W.E.B. Du Bois asked, “If indeed what we confront is an apartheid state, then what is our responsibility as scholars and educators?” For him, universities are sanctuaries for marginalised communities, providing a forum for the public intellectual ready to speak truth to power and foster a culture of resistance and critical thinking, challenging dominant narratives, and developing pedagogies that promote social justice. Mr. Trump’s agenda to suppress radical research or mentally stress students is a form of despotism with implications that extend beyond the United States, with many regarding them as a threat to global social order and human rights.

Shelley Walia has taught Cultural Theory at Panjab University, Chandigarh