Calling on YOU to LEAD
University of Minnesota President, Provost and Board of Regents;
You have been the beacon of higher education in our state, and formidable in our nation and world; yet, you are continuing to duck a moment that demands you LEAD. You know that the Trump Administration is going after how, who and where we learn. This is hallmark of authoritarians. They want to keep us ignorant and afraid. We are stronger when we stand up together. That means our community and your fellow institutions of higher education must stand together because in unity lies strength. Dr. Erica Chenoweth identifies education as one of six pillars that support democracy. Universities that are fighting back are winning. Yet, too many, like the University of Minnesota, are making deals with the devil, and taking actions that erode academic freedom, freedom of speech and, I would argue, the very reason we educate: to develop a citizenry capable of democratic rule. In keeping your head down, you are undermining our democracy and supporting a regime.
Pushing through limits on ”institutional” speech, agreeing to audit partners for DEI, removing support and programs aimed to equal the playing field for brown and black people, continuing to be very vague on ICE out and safety on campus is NOT how you LEAD. Our community understands what is at stake and we are ready to stand by your side. Our coalition includes students, faculty, alumni, parents & a community that, until recently, held the University of Minnesota in esteem. Can you burn bright again or will you continue to be beholden to an administration that will continue to dismantle our freedom one concession at a time?
As a 1998 graduate, Minneapolis resident, season ticket holder, parent of twins making their final university decisions right now, I am your community. One of my children has enrolled to attend school in Canada. Since he is interested in biochemistry and agriculture; and developing seeds in a highly changing climate, he has chosen the University of Manitoba because of their commitment to science and diversity. He never even considered the University of Minnesota despite your leadership in agricultural science because he sees your leadership as weak. His twin is more interested in business markets and agricultural finance; to proliferate family farming so it can be sustained and not further corporatized. Where will he choose? When talking to parents and alumni, we are all hearing the same things from our children. They see universities caving/acquiescing/ignoring the threat to higher education impacting their students' decisions as to where they will study. When visiting St. Olaf last month, one potential student asked “how are you keeping ICE off campus?” How would you answer that question? With more of your evasive rhetoic? Even a small private school like St. Olaf has had more clarity!
If this argument is not compelling enough; let’s look at the markets and the impact of Trump's administration and their attempts to force an anti-DEI agenda on another pillar: business. Companies like Target and Amazon are feeling the tremendous impact of losing market share due to their abandoning DEI, making donations to the Trump campaigns, and supporting ICE. Many in our community have boycotted these companies while companies like Costco, which have stood up for their employees and community, have earned loyalty, increased memberships, and, thus, a larger market share. Doing the right thing has multiple upsides.
Our Indivisible Twin Cities Education Action Committee and the Hands Off Our University Coalition are here to support you. We are calling on you to LEAD. Leverage this amazing Minnesota community that shows time and again how to stand up in solidarity!
We are calling on you to LEAD. I ask one more time, will you be a beacon for Minnesota and the United States?
Angie Eichten
Indivisible Twin Cities-Education Action Committee co-lead
