Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s three-page letter on Monday raised more questions than it answered. Higher ed leaders are unsure about the sincerity of the secretary’s petition to higher ed leaders to “reaffirm their commitment to serving the American people.” Some are confused about which institutions it’s actually speaking to. Based on initial public statements from college presidents, it’s unclear if anyone will answer her call to action. And beneath the confusion is a more basic question: Does the American public read statements on websites?
The letter encourages higher ed leaders to publish “landmark declarations of purpose” on how they plan to revitalize their work in seven areas. The list combines the Trump administration’s political projects with real challenges facing the sector including merit in admissions; free speech; affordability and value; and prioritizing American interests. The secretary included questions for each topic that she would like institutions to address in statements they ultimately post on their websites.
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