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Dear ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Community, 

‌I write to share that this morning the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) in response to several actions of the current federal administration that directly impact our field of higher education. I was one of the early signatories and indeed played a role in its fashioning. I urge all members of the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø community to .&²Ô²ú²õ±è;‌

‌My stance on institutional statements is well known to you. A college’s role is to foster the environment for robust discussion and debate about the political issues of the day, not to stifle such discussion by staking out particular stands on such issues. However, when a political action impacts the very mission of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, as several current actions by the administration clearly do, then a president is obligated to speak out and critique those actions. 

‌In this moment, the attacks on freedom of expression and thought; academic freedom; the support of scientific and scholarly research; and the fundamental right of private institutions to govern themselves in accord with law, are inimical to the highest goals and values of higher education. The AAC&U statement asserts the principles of American higher education and calls out the negative impact of the current political efforts that oppose that mission.‌

‌As always, I am happy to discuss these matters further in the appropriate forums. As we approach the end of the academic year, I am grateful to all of you for helping ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø do its noble work so well. 

‌S¾±²Ô³¦±ð°ù±ð±ô²â,
‌Marc C. Conner
‌P°ù±ð²õ¾±»å±ð²Ô³Ù