Academics said Trump's crackdown on universities is a blow to academic freedom
發佈日期: 2025-05-23 19:44
TVB News
Scholars in the U.S. have described Donald Trump's college crackdown as a serious blow to academic freedom as well as American education as a brand.
The European Union is reportedly mulling recruitment campaigns to lure talent fleeing from Trump's spending cuts with half a billion euros of incentives.
Former President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Tony Chan, used to teach at the University of California. He pointed out that many scholars in America hold the view that the Trump administration's actions are undermining academic freedom.
He said that academic independence is at the very heart of universities' role and political interference would not only threaten their independence, but also alter their complexion.
Chan, who studied in the United States in the 1970s, recalled the extent of freedom and inclusiveness at the time, but noted this land no longer welcomes foreign students, especially Chinese.
The brand of American education, which has long been one of its most potent soft powers, has deteriorated following recent upheavals, and it would take a long time to restore, Chan said.
The Trump administration has significantly slashed research funds in their latest overhaul of U.S. higher education, targeting antisemitism on campus.
Chan pointed out the move has distressed many U.S. researchers and may lead to "scientist refugees."
Meanwhile, Joanne Yu, Research Financial Manager of Stanford University's Department of Statistics, said that universities' administration fees would be the hardest hit.
She expects massive funding cuts ranging from office supplies to IT support, potentially increasing security lapses that expose the computer system to cyberattacks.
She added many colleges are unable to operate as normal at present.
