In an August 3 public letter, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon issued a National Call to Action, citing a decline in Americans’ trust in higher education. She called on university presidents and governing boards to “reaffirm their commitment to serving the American people” and to explain their plans for reform in seven areas: admissions; the free exchange of ideas; intellectual pluralism; affordability; AI and grade inflation; foreign influence and security concerns; and clarifying their institution’s contributions to the national good.
We welcome all good-faith expressions of support across the political spectrum for the institutions that produce and circulate knowledge, including calls for improvement and accountability. The Secretary makes compelling points about affordability, clear admissions policies, and the value of robust debate on campus: we agree with the president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities that many institutions are already engaged in addressing these issues.
American Council of Learned Societies
Statements from other professional organizations and endorsed by LASA are published in the original language of the source.
About LASA
The Latin American Studies Association (LASA) is the largest professional association in the world for individuals and institutions engaged in the study of Latin America. With over 13,000 members, over 60% of whom reside outside the United States, LASA is the one association that brings together experts on Latin America from all disciplines and diverse occupational endeavors, across the globe. LASA's mission is to foster intellectual discussion, research, and teaching on Latin America, the Caribbean, and its people throughout the Americas, promote the interests of its diverse membership, and encourage civic engagement through network building and public debate.
If you wish to interview a LASA Executive Council member, you can contact the LASA communications office at (412) 648-7929 or send an email to lasa@lasaweb.org.