UPDATE: Dartmouth College President Sian Beilock faces mounting criticism for her decision to remain neutral in the escalating conflict between the Trump administration and elite universities. In a revealing piece by The New Yorker, Beilock is accused of “cowardice” for not joining over 600 universities, including other Ivy League schools, in a letter supporting Harvard against Trump’s funding freeze.
Critics argue Beilock’s stance on viewpoint diversity reflects a troubling conformity. In an email to the Dartmouth community, she defended her choice, stating that “receivership, censorship, and external pressures about what can and cannot be taught or studied hamper the free exchange of ideas on our campus.” This decision comes amid a backdrop of rising antisemitism on campuses and federal investigations into anti-Israel protests since October 2023.
The backlash intensified when Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld condemned Beilock’s inaction, labeling it a blend of “cowardice, hypocrisy, and naïveté.” He emphasized, “This is Trump’s classic playbook: divide and conquer.” In contrast, some conservatives praise her for upholding institutional integrity.
Beilock, who became the first female president of Dartmouth in 2022, has prioritized creating “brave spaces” for open dialogue. She introduced the “Dartmouth Dialogues” initiative aimed at facilitating speech and debate, and her policy of “institutional restraint” bars officials from issuing institutional statements to foster diverse viewpoints.
However, her handling of campus protests has not been without controversy. Following clashes during a protest in May 2024, where police intervened against encampments on campus, Beilock defended law enforcement actions. This led to a 183-163 vote of censure against her, proposed by faculty members who were arrested during the protests.
Currently, over 2,700 alumni have signed a petition urging Dartmouth to resist federal government actions against higher education. The petition warns of an “unparalleled and thoroughgoing assault” on institutions without directly referencing the Trump administration.
While many academic leaders criticize her, conservative voices, including Harmeet Dhillon from the US Department of Justice, commend Beilock for her approach, noting a rise in Jewish student applications. “Kudos to Dartmouth!” she remarked, highlighting the positive shift.
As the controversy continues to unfold, Beilock remains steadfast in her commitment to “saving the idea of the university.” In an interview, she noted, “Everyone is entitled to their opinion,” responding to calls for her to take a more aggressive stance against Trump’s policies.
This developing story highlights the deepening divide over free speech and institutional governance in higher education. As Dartmouth navigates these turbulent waters, the decisions made by Sian Beilock will likely resonate far beyond the campus, impacting the broader discourse around higher education in America.
Stay tuned for updates as this story evolves.
