President Malekzadeh has signed a statement, released last week by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), joining numerous college and university presidents and leaders of scholarly societies in response to ongoing actions by the federal government affecting higher education. The educational and nonprofit leaders were convened by AAC&U and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The statement, titled “A Call for Constructive Engagement,” marks the first time current presidents have spoken out collectively in large numbers about these issues. “We speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education,” the statement says.
President Malekzadeh’s decision to sign the statement reflects Roosevelt University’s founding mission to champion social justice, equal opportunity, and academic freedom. Since its establishment in 1945, Roosevelt has been committed to fostering an inclusive community where education is a catalyst for societal progress and equity. Protecting the independence and integrity of higher education is essential to fulfilling this mission.
The statement makes clear what’s at stake—for higher education and for America’s shared prosperity—in any unraveling of the longstanding, productive partnership between government and institutions of higher learning. While the presidents “are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight,” they also emphasize that they will stand against attempts to restrict or undermine the freedoms fundamental to higher education. The statement calls for “constructive engagement that improves our institutions and serves our republic.”
“At Roosevelt University, we believe that education is a cornerstone of democracy and social justice,” said President Ali Malekzadeh. “Signing this statement is a reaffirmation of our commitment to preserving the freedoms that enable higher education to be a transformative force for individuals and society. We stand firmly against any efforts that threaten the ability of universities to serve the public good through independent thought, research, and teaching.”
The full statement and an up-to-date list of signatories are available online at
www.aacu.org/constructive-engagement.