Former President Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the two leading Republican presidential candidates, have vowed to crack down on universities should they take over the White House, a clear reflection of growing right-wing skepticism about higher education.
Between lines: Some Republican complaints about universities are related to a broader concern about the “awakening” and free speech. But others raise deeper questions about the value of college and how to ensure a degree pays off well.
Driving the news: In a video posted on his website last week, Trump vowed to “fire radical left accreditors” and hire new ones “who will set real standards on universities.”
- Some of those standards would include “protecting free speech,” “eliminating all Marxist diversity, equity, and inclusion bureaucrats,” and “implementing college entrance and exit exams to show that students are truly learning and getting their money’s worth.”
- Last month, DeSantis sued the Biden administration over the college accreditation system, claiming it is unconstitutional, reports Inside Higher Ed. Students who receive federal aid must attend an accredited college (…)
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