Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

Episode: How the Right’s War on Academic Freedom Hides a Darker Mission
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Host: Stacey Abrams
Guests:

• Michael Roth, President of Wesleyan University
• Nara Malanich, Professor at Barnard College
• Zane Yaman, Co-Editor in Chief of the Michigan Daily

Introduction

In this episode of Assembly Required, Stacey Abrams delves into the escalating assault on academic freedom orchestrated by the Trump administration and Republican factions at both federal and state levels. Highlighting the pivotal role of higher education in fostering free thought, innovation, and democracy, Abrams sets the stage for a critical conversation with esteemed guests Michael Roth and Nara Malanich, followed by insights from student journalist Zane Yaman.

The Assault on Academic Freedom

Abrams begins by outlining the comprehensive strategies employed by the right wing to undermine higher education:

• Targeting Critical Theories and Programs: Republican efforts to dismantle programs related to Critical Race Theory (CRT), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and anti-Semitism have led to significant policy changes at numerous universities. Entire boards have been purged, and university leaders face severe backlash for maintaining these programs.

• Federal and State Pressure: Dozens of universities are under federal investigation, facing the threat of losing public funding for either their mission-driven activities or for simply existing. States like Texas, Georgia, Ohio, and Michigan are at the forefront, implementing measures that constrain academic and operational freedoms.

• Impact on International Students and Scientific Research: The administration has intensified immigration enforcement on campuses, leading to deportations without due process. Scientific endeavors, such as Princeton University's climate research, face funding cuts under the guise of protecting students from "climate anxiety."

Notable Quote:

Stacey Abrams [00:00]: “They’re not protecting our students or improving educational outcomes. This is a campaign to censor, to control, and to shut down what the right-wing has found so threatening about higher education.”

Perspectives from Leaders in Higher Education

Nara Malanich on Campus Climate

Professor Malanich shares her firsthand experiences of the campus environment:

• Feelings of Fear and Anger: Students and faculty are engulfed in fear due to increased harassment, doxing, and the threat of losing tenure. There is a palpable anger towards university administrations perceived as capitulating to political pressures.

• Impact on International Students: The revocation of visas without notification has left international students feeling vulnerable and unsafe, exacerbating the overall climate of fear.

Notable Quote:

Nara Malanich [08:13]: “There is a lot of really vicious doxing going on... targeting students and faculty for persecution and harassment.”

Michael Roth on Academic Independence

President Roth addresses the broader implications of these attacks:

• Remaking Civil Society: The current administration's actions aim to force independent institutions to align with its conservative agenda, undermining their autonomy.

• Defense of Academic Freedom: Roth emphasizes that academic freedom is essential for universities to function as incubators of social progress and independent thought.

Notable Quote:

Michael Roth [09:38]: “This is a crucial moment when we are asked to use our microphones to denounce extraordinary overreach by the White House, demanding loyalty from institutions that have never had to display allegiance to an individual’s creed.”

The Role of DEI and Intellectual Diversity

The conversation shifts to the contentious topic of DEI initiatives:

• Weaponization of DEI: Both guests argue that DEI has been politicized to serve as a tool for enforcing ideological conformity within academic institutions.

• Intellectual Homogeneity: Michael Roth highlights the existing political biases in faculty hiring, which mirrors broader societal homogeneity, thereby stifling diverse viewpoints essential for robust academic discourse.

Notable Quotes:

Michael Roth [18:08]: “The academy's failure to take ideas that are serious, ideas that don't fit into the academic status quo has given the Trump administration a cudgel to use against us.”

Nara Malanich [33:04]: “Diversity is not just an HR issue; it’s a fundamental intellectual attack on how we study, research, and teach.”

Student Perspectives and Media Challenges

Zane Yaman on Student Journalism

Zane Yaman provides insights into the challenges faced by student journalists amidst the turmoil:

• Navigating Institutional Pressure: The Michigan Daily grapples with reporting on sensitive issues like visa revocations and DEI attacks while maintaining editorial independence.

• Balancing Act: Journalists must weigh the importance of transparency and reporting against the personal risks and pressures from the administration.

Notable Quote:

Zane Yaman [44:21]: “We are trying to make sure that we can capture this moment as effectively as possible and understand how people are feeling in our community.”

Impact on Protests and Free Speech

Yaman discusses the suppression of student-led initiatives and protests:

• Administrative Overreach: University administrations have intervened in student government initiatives, especially those related to pro-Palestine and pro-Israel stances, limiting genuine democratic expression on campus.

• Chilling Effect on Activism: The fear of visa revocations and other reprisals has stifled student activism, leading to a more subdued campus environment.

Notable Quote:

Zane Yaman [50:04]: “A lot of people are scared... compounded upon trying to figure out what you're going to do for the rest of your life while fearing your visa can be revoked for something as minor as an unpaid parking ticket.”

Strategies for Resistance and Protection of Academic Freedom

Abrams and her guests discuss actionable strategies to combat the assault on academic freedom:

• Solidarity and Organizing: Building coalitions across universities to collectively push back against administrative overreach is crucial. Demonstrations, such as the unity shown in Foley Square, highlight the power of collective action.

• Speaking Out: Leaders in academia must vocalize their resistance to censorship and control, defending the principles of academic freedom and institutional autonomy.

• Support for Student Media: Encouraging and supporting student journalists to continue their vital work ensures that diverse voices and perspectives remain present in academic discourse.

Notable Quote:

Michael Roth [36:11]: “We have to join together, academics, religious leaders, citizens, and cities and the countryside to say we do not take our freedoms for granted. You cannot push us around.”

Conclusion and Call to Action

Stacey Abrams concludes the episode by empowering listeners with actionable steps:

• Be Curious: Engage with student journalism to stay informed about campus dynamics.

• Solve Problems: Advocate for academic freedom and support initiatives that promote intellectual diversity.

• Do Good: Support student journalists by reaching out, sharing their work, and encouraging transparent reporting.

Final Notable Quote:

Stacey Abrams [53:05]: “We are looking to better understand where we are and who want to pitch in as we fight for a fair America and the world we can dare to imagine.”

Key Takeaways

• The right-wing assault on academic freedom is multifaceted, targeting critical theories, DEI initiatives, and international students to enforce ideological conformity.
• Academic leaders like Michael Roth and Nara Malanich emphasize the necessity of defending academic freedom as a cornerstone of democracy and societal progress.
• Student journalists play a critical role in documenting and resisting these assaults, though they face significant personal and institutional challenges.
• Collective action, solidarity across campuses, and vocal resistance are essential strategies to combat these threats and preserve the integrity of higher education.

Resources Mentioned

• Book Recommendation: On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder
• Support Student Journalism: Engage with local student newspapers and consider supporting platforms like the Michigan Daily.

This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the critical discussions and insights shared by Stacey Abrams and her guests. For a more in-depth understanding, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode of Assembly Required.