Overview

• Professors Jason Stanley, Marci Shore, and Timothy Snyder have relocated to the University of Toronto, citing fears of rising authoritarianism under the Trump administration.
• In a New York Times video essay, the scholars likened the U.S. to a 'sinking ship' and urged others to leave before conditions worsen, referencing lessons from Nazi Germany.
• The professors' departure follows federal investigations into diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and significant funding cuts to elite universities, including Harvard.
• Critics on social media and conservative outlets have dismissed their move as 'performative,' questioning their decision to leave rather than stay and advocate for change.
• Canadian universities have positioned themselves as havens for academic freedom, actively recruiting U.S. scholars concerned about political interference.