Cook Center core faculty, Nancy MacLean, published an op-ed in the News & Observer titled “Duke leadership is letting down higher ed in a moment it should be fighting back.”
In the piece, MacLean warns that American higher education is facing “the gravest menace to its mission in our history,” citing the Trump administration’s reported freeze of $108 million in funding from Duke University and Duke University Hospital. She argues that universities are being subjected to direct federal attacks on academic freedom and institutional autonomy, making strong, collaborative, and principled leadership more vital than ever.
MacLean critiques Duke’s senior leadership for responding to projected budget shortfalls of $350–750 million primarily through staff and faculty cuts, rather than engaging in shared sacrifice and broader consultation. She highlights a June 2 open letter from faculty, staff, students, and Durham residents that proposed alternative measures — such as pay reductions for top administrators and use of Duke’s $11.2 billion endowment — which has gone unanswered.
Read the full piece here: Duke leadership is letting down higher ed in a moment it should be fighting back