Recently, approximately 600 college presidents signed a letter opposing federal interference in higher education, yet Dartmouth College’s president, Sian Beilock, notably refrained from joining the collective statement.
Instead, Beilock addressed her campus with a personal letter emphasizing that institutions of higher learning should aspire to enhance their reputations as reliable sources of knowledge and truth.
She asserted, “Reflection does not imply surrender,” underscoring her commitment to thoughtful engagement rather than capitulation.
Observers suggest that this nuanced stance has contributed significantly to Dartmouth’s avoidance of federal scrutiny targeting other Ivy League institutions.
Currently, six of the eight Ivy League schools face substantial threats to their federal funding, amounting to billions of dollars, amid government concerns regarding antisemitism and related campus issues. Harvard University alone risks losing more than $2 billion. All Ivy League schools except Dartmouth are under investigation for allegedly permitting antisemitic activities.
University officials describe this federal pressure as unprecedented, involving potential cuts to research funding, proposed taxes on endowments, changes to accreditation processes, and even the revocation of tax-exempt status.
Although Dartmouth has not been singled out, the college remains vulnerable to broader policy changes such as increased endowment taxes. Additionally, visa restrictions imposed by the administration have affected some of Dartmouth’s current and former international students.
Supporters of President Beilock commend her as a steadfast advocate for free expression and dialogue across political divides, noting her longstanding commitment predates recent national political tensions.
Malcolm Mahoney, president of the Dartmouth Political Union, a nonpartisan debate group, praised her dedication, stating, “It’s evident that she genuinely believes in these principles rather than using them for political convenience.”
Conversely, critics argue that Beilock’s approach aims to appease conservative factions to shield Dartmouth from federal backlash, exacerbating campus political tensions. They cite a controversial police intervention at a pro-Palestinian demonstration last year, which many students and faculty deemed unnecessary.
Several factors may explain Dartmouth’s relative immunity to federal pressure. As a small liberal arts college situated in rural New Hampshire with a close-knit student population, it may not attract the same attention from lawmakers. The institution is also recognized for a somewhat conservative campus culture.
President Beilock appears to have strategically aligned Dartmouth with more conservative perspectives by appointing a former Republican Party official to a senior administrative position, emphasizing free expression in her communications, and adopting a firm stance toward campus protests.
Her outreach has also extended to influential figures within the current administration, earning public commendations.
Harmeet Dhillon, a prominent supporter of the administration and head of the Justice Department’s civil rights division, publicly praised Dartmouth on social media, expressing admiration for how the college is handling challenges.
Dhillon noted that President Beilock had recently engaged with her team to discuss related matters, adding, “Kudos to Dartmouth!”
In an interview, Beilock emphasized Dartmouth’s dedication to protecting free speech, clarifying that such expression should not infringe on others’ rights or dominate shared spaces.
She explained that her conversations with Dhillon and other alumni across the political spectrum revolve around academic freedom, viewpoint diversity, and the importance of institutional independence.
At 49, Beilock is the youngest sitting Ivy League president and has held the position for less than two years. Several of her peers at Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia resigned amid backlash over their handling of pro-Palestinian protests.
In contrast, Beilock has received accolades from conservative circles for her leadership style.
One defining moment for her presidency was authorizing state police to end a protest encampment on Dartmouth’s green. While student activists insisted the demonstration was peaceful, the college cited unauthorized tents as justification.
This approach contrasts with the university’s more tolerant response to a 1980s protest against apartheid, during which students maintained a shantytown on campus despite opposition.
Following the start of the current administration, Beilock appointed Matthew Raymer, former chief counsel to the Republican National Committee, as Dartmouth’s chief legal officer. Raymer, who previously supported efforts to end birthright citizenship, now oversees the college’s visa and immigration services—a move that has unsettled international students.
Beilock highlighted the diversity of political views within her team, stating, “We hired Matt not as Dartmouth’s Republican lawyer, but as Dartmouth’s lawyer. Political affiliation is not a hiring criterion.”
Her stance on the administration has caused divisions on campus. Over 2,500 alumni have signed a petition urging her to join other colleges in resisting federal policies.
The student newspaper ran a headline declaring, “You’re Embarrassing Us,” reflecting discontent among parts of the student body.
Alumni organizer Roberta Millstein described Beilock’s approach as signaling tacit approval to the administration.
Meanwhile, another alumnus, Gerald Hughes, launched a counter-petition praising Beilock as a defender of free speech who is pursuing a cautious and thoughtful strategy. This petition has garnered over 500 signatures from alumni, faculty, and students.
Beilock, a cognitive scientist specializing in performance under pressure, insists she will maintain her current approach.
Her prior roles at the University of Chicago, including executive vice provost, exposed her to the principle of institutional neutrality—where university officials refrain from political or social commentary unless central to the institution’s mission. Dartmouth has recently embraced a similar policy.
Beilock acknowledged that her Chicago experience deeply shaped her perspective.
Notably, the University of Chicago and Vanderbilt University, led by a former Chicago provost, also declined to sign the recent letter opposing federal interference in higher education.
Despite ongoing campus controversies, Dartmouth continues to host events aimed at fostering respectful dialogue and academic freedom.
Recently, Gerald Hughes moderated a panel discussion with university leaders focused on enhancing an environment conducive to open dialogue and civil disagreement.
In her interview, Beilock expressed support for other institutions navigating complex political landscapes while affirming Dartmouth’s commitment to independent decision-making.
“We can stand in solidarity with our peers and still maintain our own voice,” she concluded. “These goals are not mutually exclusive.”
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