Jerome Powell, president of the US Central Bank, spoke about academic freedom and university autonomy in Princeton
Jerome Powell, President of (Federal Reservethe Central Bank of the United States), asked college students to protect democracy from the US country during a graduation ceremony on Sunday (25.MAI.2025).
Powell praised American universities as “a crucial national assetAnd he said that in times of political and social challenges, it is essential that they remain spaces of open debate and critical thinking.
He also warned of the risks of attacks on academic freedom and institutional autonomy. “We lead the world in so many ways, including scientific innovation and economic dynamism”disse Powell. “Our great universities are envied by the world and a crucial national asset”.
Princeton University is one of 8 institutions that form Ivy Leaguegroup that leads the global rankings of higher education and also includes Harvard.
Powell’s statement occurs days after the Trump government has adopted measures against US universities.
The US President and revoked student visas. The government also required colleges to provide that they participated in protests.
The Fed president told Princeton graduates not to take any of this as guaranteed. “When they look back in 50 years, you will want to know that they did what was necessary to preserve and strengthen our democracy, and bring us closer and closer to the timeless ideals of the founders ”he said.
Powell, who was appointed by Trump during his first term, has received criticism from the US President. He called him “Great loser”–For the Fed between 5.25% and 5.5%.
In his speech, Powell encouraged trainees to take risks, consider public service and protect their integrity “carefully”.
“In 50 years, you will want to be able to look in the mirror and know that they did what they thought right, in every part of your life.”said the president of the Fed.At the end of the day, your integrity is everything you have ”he said in Princeton.
With information from .
