A second Donald Trump administration is poised to bring significant and unsettling changes to US higher education, with experts forecasting increased attacks on academic freedom, heightened privatization, and potential systemic overhauls like the restructuring or elimination of the Department of Education.
Following a historic presidential election, US universities are bracing for an uncomfortable and potentially transformative four years under the returning leadership of Donald Trump. His victory over rival Kamala Harris was declared with a claim of “an unprecedented and powerful mandate,” leaving many in the academic sector deeply anxious about the future.
University leaders have openly expressed concern, with one describing the prospect of a second Trump term as “horrific for higher education.” This sentiment is rooted in explicit policy proposals and the broader anti-education rhetoric that characterized his campaigns.
The Shadow of Project 2025: Restructuring the Department of Education
At the forefront of concerns is the comprehensive Project 2025 policy playbook, crafted by conservative allies at the Heritage Foundation. This detailed plan advocates for the shuttering of the Department of Education, a move that would fundamentally alter federal involvement in higher education.
Sarah Spreitzer, assistant vice president at the American Council on Education (ACE), emphasized that Project 2025 is “more than rhetoric” – it is a “multi-page, step-by-step guide” that poses a clear threat. Should this blueprint be enacted, federal student aid could be transferred to the Department of Treasury, and civil rights investigations shifted to the Department of Justice.
Patricia McGuire, president of Trinity Washington University, warned that Project 2025 “spells out a clear desire to debilitate if not demolish many universities,” impacting everything from academic freedom to student loan services and accessibility for less wealthy Americans.
Academic Freedom and Free Speech Under Threat
A significant fear among academics is an escalation of attacks on academic freedom and free speech within higher education. Mark Shanahan, associate professor at the University of Surrey, noted that this risk is particularly high if Republicans control both the Senate and House.
This concern echoes predictions of “a ratcheting-up of public show trials of presidents and trustees” reminiscent of the hearings that led to the resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay. There’s also an expectation that politicians in states like Florida and Texas, known for pushing restrictions on academic freedom and bans on diversity initiatives, will feel emboldened.
Vice President-elect J.D. Vance’s references to professors as “the enemy” further fuel these anxieties, highlighting a broader skepticism within Republican circles regarding the value of academic freedom, as detailed in an opinion piece by Nicholas Dirks for Time.com.
Targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs are expected to face significant opposition. Jon Fan Smith, ACE’s assistant vice president of government relations, warned of potential civil rights investigations into DEI initiatives, citing critiques that “they are inherently discriminatory against other groups of students.” This could lead to a chilling effect on campuses, limiting efforts to promote diverse student bodies and inclusive environments.
Ursula Hackett, reader in politics at Royal Holloway, University of London, suggested that a Trump administration would “most likely” see the elimination of outgoing President Joe Biden’s signature initiatives designed to support students of color, LGBT students, and student loan forgiveness.
Privatization, Affordability, and Student Loans
The financial landscape of higher education is also poised for change. Experts anticipate the relaxation of regulations on for-profit colleges and a greater push for the privatization of student loan services. While conventional wisdom suggests governments find it difficult to cut popular public spending, affordability remains a front-and-center debate, particularly for those concerned about financial aid.
The “compact” with higher education proposed by President Trump reflects a policy to tie federal funding to a legally enforced mandate for “viewpoint diversity,” raising concerns about political control and monitoring of academic viewpoints, as discussed by the Center for American Progress.
Immigration Policies and International Engagement
Immigration policies are another area of significant concern. President-elect Trump has indicated that tightening border security and executing mass deportations, including for undocumented students, would be a priority. Wesleyan University President Michael Roth has already vowed to protect vulnerable students, emphasizing his institution’s commitment to non-discrimination.
The Higher Ed Immigration Portal estimates that over 407,000 undocumented students, including DACA recipients, are enrolled in U.S. higher education, making this a critical issue. Beyond undocumented students, a second Trump term could also bring greater scrutiny of ethnic Chinese scientists and research ties with China, impacting international student flows, which saw a decline during his first term between 2016 and 2020.
According to Zhamilya Mukasheva, a fellow at the London School of Economics, Trump’s anti-education rhetoric and potential policies against immigration will be a cause for concern for the sector globally.
The “Diploma Divide” and Anti-Intellectualism
The recent election results highlighted a stark “diploma divide,” an “enormous” gap between the parties. Exit polls showed college graduates leaning towards Kamala Harris (57% to 41%), while those without a college degree largely backed Donald Trump (54% to 44%).
Dr. Ursula Hackett attributes this divide to Trump’s attacks on people with advanced degrees, his embrace of anti-intellectualism and ethnonationalism, and J.D. Vance’s portrayal of professors as adversaries. Mark Shanahan observed that “non-college educated America won,” reflecting a populous demographic more aligned with Trump, who views Harris as an “elite insider.”
The Path Forward: University Resilience and Internal Change
Despite the anxieties, university leaders are calling for resilience and unity. Morgan State University President David Wilson reminded students of their institution’s legacy of overcoming adversity, while Emerson College President Jay Bernhardt encouraged reaffirming education’s role in fostering communication and understanding.
Nicholas Dirks, writing for Time.com, argues that while Trump’s plan is a dangerous overreach, universities cannot afford “ivory tower inertia.” He emphasizes that a “new compact” is needed, one that embraces intellectual robustness, welcomes debate across ideological lines, and protects academic freedom as inseparable from the First Amendment.
Key areas for internal reform include:
- Transparency and Nimbleness: Universities must become less bureaucratic and more responsive.
- Community Partnerships: Deeper engagement with communities, industries, and civic groups.
- Responsive Research: Maintaining rigorous, peer-reviewed research while being responsive to public concerns.
- Protecting Diversity: Recognizing diversity (racial, ethnic, economic, gender, international) not as a political favor but as a “proven driver of national strength” and innovation, as highlighted by McKinsey and the U.S. State Department.
American universities have historically been one of the nation’s greatest assets, driving significant advancements in medicine, technology, and agriculture. Preserving their fundamental value while evolving to meet public concerns is the critical challenge facing higher education in the coming years.
