Thomas J. Peters, Ph.D. UConn Professor Emeritus
It is my opinion that the UConn administration has an obligation to publicly speak against the actions of President Donald Trump’s administration regarding University self-governance & visa issues for campus members.
On April 25, I emailed President Radenka Maric (thread included and formal letter attached) asking for her leadership to publicly address these topics.
I regret that I judge President Maric’s response to be dismissive. It directed me to other actions taken, most not highly visible.
I see visibility, as chosen by other universities, as empowering university members to not lose faith and demonstrate externally– to future faculty, students and staff that UConn will deserve their continuing confidence and respect, despite any temporary political winds.
In short, public perception is essential for UConn to fulfill its vital societal role as a bastion of truth.
Vocal public leadership is important; the administrative silence is disappointing. I deem it to reflect poorly on UConn, with the price of lost respect.
I view any strategy of trying not to enrage the Trump administration as flawed. Without resistance, I fear these actions will only increase, intruding to further erode academic governance.
First amendment rights are central to American democracy. Encouraging speech, even though uncomfortable, is fundamental to critical inquiry in academia.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. Peters, Ph.D.
UConn Professor Emeritus
“Silence from the top isn’t neutral — it’s a message in itself. When universities stay quiet in the face of political threats to academic freedom, they risk becoming complicit. First Amendment rights aren’t just legal protections; they’re the lifeblood of critical thought and progress. UConn’s silence may seem like caution, but it reads like indifference — and that’s a price too high to pay for any institution claiming to stand for truth and education.