Introduction
Why does Donald Trump target prestigious institutions like Harvard University? The official reason is alleged antisemitism, but over 600 Harvard academics, many of them Jewish, believe this accusation is absurd.
Economic Viability of Higher Education
The higher education industry is highly successful, providing 4.5 million jobs in the United States. Denying foreign students visas would be detrimental to this thriving sector.
Political Motives Behind Trump’s Actions
Trump’s populist rhetoric benefits him politically, even if it results in poor educational policy. A common American political cliché portrays a divide between elite university graduates and the common people with less education. This cliché contains elements of truth, as books like “Polarized by Degrees” demonstrate.
Historical Context and Liberal Response
A generation ago, conservative critics accused the welfare state of indiscriminate benefit distribution. Liberals responded by cutting the generous redistributive state and providing aid only to deserving poor. This acknowledged that it’s legitimate to distinguish between those who merit state support and those who don’t.
Moral Philosophy and Merit
A central moral philosophy question is how and when people earn their life destiny, and if merit is a valid criterion for assigning honors and material rewards. Liberal philosophers, known as “luck egalitarians,” argued that justice requires distinguishing between circumstances and decisions. Income disparities from circumstances should be countered, but one cannot blame someone for being born into poverty. However, inheriting wealth and choosing risky ventures like gambling shouldn’t be socially rescued.
The Liberal Dilemma
This liberal conundrum: expressing little faith in merit seems to betray the American dream, while excessive faith in merit appears to betray those left behind by the American dream—including white, non-university-educated men who felt belittled and voted for Trump.
Finding a Solution
There is a way forward: maintain faith in education as the primary path to social mobility while preventing the arrogance of those with advanced degrees. The most offensive act elites can inflict on the less fortunate is doubting their ability to lead their own lives.
Higher Education’s Role
Universities like Harvard can take merit more seriously. Critics rightfully accuse Harvard of being too “woke,” but more concerning is the claim that it has been insufficiently meritocratic. The concentration of children from the top 1% in prestigious universities results from giving preference to alumni’s children and elite sports athletes in admissions.
Bridging the Skills Gap
The status gap between manual and white-collar jobs should disappear. Technology has reversed this trend, elevating office workers with Word and Excel skills above plumbers and electricians. However, artificial intelligence will soon reverse this trend, automating tasks currently done by legal assistants, radiologists, and programmers. Meanwhile, demand—and pay—for skilled manual labor will rise.
Addressing Arrogance
Acknowledging good fortune helps reduce arrogance. As a Harvard professor, I can attest to the many lucky breaks that allowed me to reach that position. Honesty is crucial in building a society of equals.
Key Questions and Answers
- Why does Trump target prestigious universities? Despite the official reason of alleged antisemitism, many believe it’s a political ploy to appeal to his base.
- Is higher education economically viable? The U.S. higher education industry supports 4.5 million jobs, making it detrimental to deny foreign students visas.
- What’s the liberal dilemma regarding merit? Liberals must balance faith in merit with not alienating those left behind by the American dream.
- How can universities improve meritocracy? By taking merit more seriously and reducing preferential treatment for children of alumni and elite athletes.
- Will technology bridge the skills gap? Yes, as AI automates white-collar tasks, demand for skilled manual labor will increase.
- How can arrogance be addressed? By acknowledging good fortune and promoting honesty in discussing personal achievements.
