Editor's Note: This story was updated at 5:27 p.m. on April 24 to include a statement from OU Marketing and Communications
The American Association of Colleges and Universities released a public statement Tuesday co-signed by 304 university leaders across the nation condemning increased federal interference with university proceedings.
OU was not listed among the signees. In an email sent to OU Daily on Thursday, OU Marketing and Communications wrote that OU's values are clearly articulated through its Lead On, University strategic plan.
OU Marketing and Communications also provided a website containing OU's endorsement of the "Chicago Principles on Freedom of Expression" and several statements made by OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. that "support" the OU community.
"Our commitment to these principles is clear in the way we operate and engage with the broader academic and civic communities.” OU Marketing and Communications wrote.
The American Association of Colleges and Universities is a global membership organization that works to improve undergraduate education and support campus efforts to address social issues. The association provides research and educational resources to colleges and offers both specific and general grants.
In the statement, the American Association of Colleges and Universities expressed its disapproval of widespread cuts in federal public research funding, stating the lack of funding will significantly impact students and advancements in research.
“As leaders of America’s colleges, universities, and scholarly societies, we speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education,” the statement reads. “We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses.”
The statement follows widespread cuts in federal funding to colleges and universities and President Donald Trump’s executive order signed at the end of March calling for the dismantling of the federal Department of Education. The executive order states the Trump administration will “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States and local communities.”
At the beginning of this month, the National Endowment for the Humanities terminated its general operating grant and revoked funding for research projects at universities across the nation, including OU. Three Oklahoma grant recipients, all of which were awarded to OU, received notice their funding would be canceled, revoking a total of $767,536 in federal funding.
According to the American Association of Colleges and University’s statement, federal funding is essential to the development of research, creativity and innovation, providing necessary resources for the next generation of the workforce. It also states the organization's commitment to fostering an environment where faculty, students and staff are “free to exchange ideas and opinions across a full range of viewpoints without fear of retribution, censorship, or deportation.”
Beginning around mid-March of this year, the Trump administration reportedly began unexpectedly revoking student visas in large numbers, including eight at Oklahoma State University and four at the University of Central Oklahoma. While the number of affected students is unclear at OU, over 1,000 student visas have been terminated across the nation so far according to AP News.
In a mass email sent to students, faculty and staff April 14, OU addressed concerns relating to the visa terminations, stating the university is working closely with affected students, but it could not provide an exact number of students impacted by the surge of activity.
“On behalf of our current and future students, and all who work at and benefit from our institutions, we call for constructive engagement that improves our institutions and serves our republic,” the statement reads.
Among the 304 university presidents who signed the statement, 28 are members of the Association of American Universities, a group OU aims to join in the coming years. No presidents of Southeastern Conference schools have signed the statement.
The Association of American Universities is an invitation-only organization of America’s leading research universities credited for life changing education, research and innovation. Member universities earn the majority of federal funding for research that improves public health, seeks to address national challenges and contributes to the education and training of younger generations.
At a recent event, Harroz presented revisions to the university’s “Lead On, University” strategic plan, including the intent to meet the criteria to be invited to join the Association of American Universities. Of the approximately 4,000 degree-granting universities in the U.S., there are 69 Association of American Universities institutions with just over half being public universities.
Harroz has not signed the statement as of Wednesday.
The American Association of Colleges and Universities is still accepting signatures from university leaders.
Ismael Lele and Anusha Fathepure edited this story.
