Letter to the Editor: Miami University must stand up for democracy
Miami University graduate Rebecca Evans writes that the university should resist pressure from the Trump administration to reshape higher education.
Right now, we all need to stand up for democracy which includes freedom of speech, freedom of the press and academic freedom. If we stand together, we present a unified front. I am urging Miami University leadership including President Greg Crawford to follow the lead of brave universities and resist President Donald Trump's demands and authoritarian regime.
Please stand strong for academic freedom and democracy like Harvard, Princeton, MIT and Georgetown. Do not capitulate to the demands of the corrupt, authoritarian Trump regime. Enlist other educational institutions to join forces with you because there is strength in numbers, and courage builds courage. Succumbing to Trump's dictates is a sign of weakness, and the aggressor takes that as a green light to make more demands.
"Stand up to the bully or sell your soul to the devil." I fear that Miami has traded its integrity for the promise of money and that it will be left alone from further abuse. When things turn around, Miami will not be viewed positively, but as one who lost its "moral compass" and sold out our treasured democracy. True leaders gather courage in the face of threat and wrong.
Do you still want your slogan to be "Love and Honor" or do you want it to be "Shame and Cowardice?" By your caving to a tyrant, you can guess which way you are headed.
Columbia University understands that it made a mistake in capitulating, but it is big enough to admit the mistake and start to fix that grievous error. What is Miami University going to do to show which side it stands on?
Sincerely,
Rebecca Evans
Rebecca Evans is a third generation Miami University graduate and grant donor.
