According to a study by heterodox academy, by the end of 2024, 148 higher education institutions adopted ‘institutional neutrality’ guidelines
In recent years, it has been common for universities to comment on relevant social and political issues. After the invasion of by Russia in 2022, the rectory of expressed his concern about the situation.
Similarly, the Rectory of the University of Cornell expressed its discontent after the death of George Floyd. On October 7, 2023, the Rector of the University of Michigan referred to violence against Israel as a “horrible attack of Hamas terrorists.”
However, in the last year, many of these institutions began to implement policies that restrict their official statements on current topics. A study by heterodox academy revealed that by the end of 2024, 148 colleges adopted “institutional neutrality” guidelines, reflecting the political pressure they face.
Most of these measures were established after the attacks of the in a scenario where Donald Trump’s government seeks to hold universities responsible for not fighting anti -Semitism and their diversity policies.
As a result, on March 7, the US government announced the withdrawal of US $ 400 million from Columbia University. The new guidelines usually apply to high administrators and, in some situations, academic departments and teachers in their official functions, although teachers can still express their personal opinions.
Critics of these policies state that administrators are avoiding difficult discussions for fear of displeasing donors and legislators.
*Report produced with the aid of AI
Posted by Victor Oliveira
