Rising to the Defense of Higher Education

Since the start of the second Trump administration, American colleges and universities have been subject to intense political scrutiny by the White House. Both public and private institutions have negotiated settlements at the expense of DEI programs, admissions, and hefty fines and fees. Law firms, media outlets, and even cultural institutions have also been targeted.

Wesleyan University President Michael S. Roth is a widely recognized defender of academic freedom, democracy, and a leading voice in discussions about the future of colleges and universities. His seventh book, Safe Enough Spaces: A Pragmatist's Approach to Inclusion, Free Speech, and Political Correctness on College Campuses (2021), addresses some of the most contentious issues in American higher education, including affirmative action, safe spaces, and questions of free speech. More recently, his bylines in The Bulwark and MS NOW, fiercely defended higher education, and called on civil society to remain steadfast in opposition to extortion under the guise of dealmaking. His efforts have awarded him the 2025 PEN/Benenson Courage Award for “his unwavering commitment to defending academic freedom, protecting protest rights, and resisting attempts to silence dissent in higher education.”

Join us at the City Club as we sit down in conversation with Wesleyan University's 16th President, Michael S. Roth on the state of higher education in an era of uncertainty.

----

Online ticket sales for this forum will conclude on Wednesday, April 8th. For more information regarding ticketing/registration, contact Stacy Roper at (216) 621-0082.

----

The livestream will be available beginning at 12:00pm. Have questions for the Q&A? Text them to 330.541.5794.

Production and distribution of City Club forums in partnership with Ideastream Public Media is generously provided by PNC and the United Black Fund.

The ideas expressed in City Club forums are those of the speakers, and not of the City Club, Ideastream Public Media, or their sponsors.