JD Vance delivered a bold keynote address at the National Conservatism Conference in 2021, condemning American higher education as a “hostile institution” that fosters ridiculous ideas. Vance, now a prominent figure in the Maga movement, aligns with Donald Trump in criticizing universities as hubs for Marxist ideologies and radicalism. This attack on academia is not new, as historical trends show a recurring backlash from the right whenever colleges become more inclusive and diverse.

The evolution of higher education in the US, from its exclusive beginnings catering to the Christian elite to its gradual democratization through the GI Bill and civil rights movements, has consistently faced opposition from conservative forces. Criticisms have centered on who is admitted, what is taught, and the perceived politicization of campuses. This narrative of universities as hotbeds of anti-American sentiment has fueled ongoing efforts to delegitimize and defund higher education institutions.

The historical context provided by Lauren Lassabe Shepherd, PhD, a historian specializing in US colleges and universities, emphasizes the long-standing struggle between conservative factions and the evolving landscape of academia. The attacks on higher education are part of a global trend where authoritarian leaders seek to control institutions that challenge traditional norms and foster critical thinking. The current administration’s actions reflect a culmination of the right’s century-old goal to reshape higher education for their political agenda.