The Presidential Voice
Preview:
College and university presidents are seemingly now expected by their many constituents to take positions on world events and unfolding crises, whether or not the proclamations would make any difference to what is happening on the ground. As parents, alumni and even politicians have exerted great pressure on higher education leaders to explicitly comment on the Hamas terrorist attack, the resulting military strikes by Israel in Gaza and the long-standing struggle for Palestinian self-determination, campus leaders often find themselves making many people unhappy. We are viewed as cowards if we stay silent and criticized for supporting the “wrong side” or being too neutral if we speak up.
Originally published: February 14, 2024
Author: Suzanne Rivera
Position: President
Institution: Macalester College
Published by: Inside Higher Ed