By 1808Delaware
Ohio Wesleyan University shared on social media Wednesday afternoon that its president has joined a coalition of higher education leaders in signing a letter addressed to Washington, D.C.
The letter, coordinated by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), criticizes government overreach and what it states to be a mixture of public research funding and politics.
The letter, labeled “A Call for Constructive Engagement,” began “As leaders of America’s colleges, universities, and scholarly societies, we speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education. We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses. We will always seek effective and fair financial practices, but we must reject the coercive use of public research funding.”
The OWU announcement stated:
“Ohio Wesleyan University President Matt VandenBerg is one of nearly 300 college leaders who’ve signed a letter, “A Call for Constructive Engagement,” calling for dialogue with government officials on issues impacting U.S. higher education.
The letter, issued on behalf of the presidents through the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) seeks to present “one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education.”
vandenBerg, Ed.D., said signing the letter was an easy decision for him, and he is honored to be among the first wave of signers.
“The challenges facing higher education continue to escalate at the state and federal levels, threatening our core mission and freedoms,” he said.”
