Special Notice / Hearing: None
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Jackie Speier, District 1
Subject: Recognition of the Need to Oppose Political Coercion of Institutions of Higher Education
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution:
A) Recognizing the need to oppose the coercion of colleges and universities to force any political agenda upon an institution of higher education; and
B) Celebrating the enormous contributions to peace, security, and public welfare by those who each day study within, teach, administer, and otherwise support the colleges and universities of the United States of America.
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BACKGROUND:
San Mateo County's economy and vibrancy are closely linked to colleges and universities in this region, including major public and private institutions as well as regional universities and community colleges. New discoveries from this network of universities and colleges have given rise to globally impactful advancements that have launched or contributed greatly to entire industries.
The Federal Administration has made continued attacks on higher education that are vigorous and well-organized assaults on long-standing American values. These attacks undermine job creation, innovation, the economy and lifesaving discoveries by causing political considerations as the reason to fund a particular scientific project rather than using scientific merit as the rationale for funding.
DISCUSSION:
Innovation is fundamental to the American character, and thus grants must be awarded on the basis of scientific and professional merit and funding withdrawn only for just cause under law and consistent with due process. Ideologically motivated political pressure has no legitimate role in university admissions, hiring, or employment nor in the development or the content of university and college curriculum. Accusations made against universities and colleges, followed abruptly by discontinued grants, requ...
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