Re: Dartmouth only Ivy to abstain from signing letter against Trump administration funding cuts
To the Editor:
I am deeply disappointed by College President Sian Leah Beilock’s continued refusal to sign the American Association of Colleges and Universities letter which now bears the signatures of over 500 colleges and university presidents. The intellectual gymnastics required to use “self-reflection” as justification for this decision is equally troubling. Self-reflection is admirable when its impetus is internal and in the case of the College, in response to concerns from students, faculty and the administration. When it is motivated by an attack on academic freedom from the current administration, self-reflection is just another phrase for cowardice and capitulation.
The Trump administration is conducting an open assault on the Constitution, the First Amendment, academic freedom and the rule of law. These are not political policies but principles foundational to our democracy and vital to Dartmouth’s very mission. President Beilock advocates brave not safe spaces; by refusing to sign the AACU letter, she is retreating to a safe space. Perhaps signing such letters is in some ways performative, but this is an “I am Spartacus” moment. It is vital to stand up together now with one voice and defend our principles.
Jennifer Kerns Doherty ’86 P ’22
Jennifer Kerns is a member of the Class of 1986. Letters to the Editor represent the views of their author(s), which are not necessarily those of The Dartmouth.
