Overview

• On HBO’s Real Time Maher called American universities “indoctrination factories” lacking diversity of thought and urged a radical shake-up.
• He agreed with Trump’s critique of campus bias but said defunding scientific research is the wrong method to fix it.
• The Trump administration has tied billions in federal research grants to universities dropping race-based admissions and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
• Brown University’s agreement to eliminate race as an admissions factor in exchange for restored funding exemplifies how the administration wields its leverage.
• Democratic figures like Rep. Jason Crow argue the campaign is driven by a partisan culture war rather than goals of efficiency or affordability.