Where’s the Outrage? Universities Need to Speak Up.
Preview:
The opinion piece criticizes the muted response from college and university leaders to the killing of African American student Renee Nicole Good, arguing that higher-education institutions have largely failed to publicly condemn the violence or stand up for core values of justice and community safety. The author calls for a stronger moral voice from campuses, suggesting that silence or cautious statements signal indifference to the suffering of students and undermine trust in academic institutions. The essay frames this lack of outspoken leadership as part of a broader hesitance by universities to confront difficult social issues, despite their mission to uphold justice, diversity, and inclusion in their communities. It asserts that universities should use their platforms to articulate outrage, support affected communities, and reaffirm commitments to equity and human dignity.
Originally published: January 13, 2026
Author: Brian Rosenberg
Position: President Emeritus
Institution: Macalester College
Published by: The Chronicle of Higher Ed