Higher Ed Experts Propose NATO-Style Alliance for Universities

At a New America panel titled "The Fifth Pillar: Where Higher Ed Goes From Here," experts discussed forming a collective defense alliance for universities against political attacks. Lee Bollinger, president emeritus of Columbia University, proposed a "NATO for universities" where institutions commit to defending any member under attack. Kevin Carey of New America noted that while Trump administration attacks have eased since mid-2025, the threat persists. Dominique Baker of the University of Delaware emphasized the need to include community colleges, not just elite research universities, in any coalition. Panelists criticized institutional neutrality policies, arguing that leaders have a moral duty to speak out on grave issues, drawing parallels to Nazi Germany and McCarthy-era Red Scares. Bollinger compared current trends to Hungary and Turkey, warning of erosion of independent universities and press. The discussion lacked concrete solutions but placed the moment in historical context.