As teachers of Stanford University in physics and medicine, we have devoted our careers to education, scientific discovery and the pursuit of knowledge. We have trained students, conducted research, writes articles, gave discussions to share knowledge and aimed to push the limits of our areas. But today, we find ourselves in a fight not only for our disciplines, but for higher education as a foundation of scientific discovery.
Are you a member of the faculty increasingly worried about the Trump administration attacks against science? We have a simple action that you can take today: join us in the chapter of Stanford of the American Association of University Professors (Aaup).
The Trump administration’s attacks on science in the academic world are not theoretical. They are event NOW. Federal funding for vital medical and scientific research is reduced – not based on merit, but on ideological fiat. Stanford could lose $ 160 million Or more in research funds – considerably restoring scientific discovery on the farm. THE Department of EducationA key institution to maintain educational standards and access faces attempts to dismantle entirely. Attacks on people – including scientists – threaten the sustainability of research and education in the academic world. International students and faculty members are underway Owned by for minor schemes and threatened with expulsion for having exercised their right to protest. The rights – and very existence – of transgender are deleted. Efforts to diversify the progress of STEM – harshly won in more inclusive and representative science – are in siege.
As Stanford’s colleagues teachers, we know that many of you already feel the urgency of this moment for science. We cannot stay in hand while the work of our lives, the work that saves lives and materially benefits humanity, is destroyed by this administration.
AAUP offers clear leadership in the defense of sciences in the academic world. Joining AAUP is a step that all of the faculty members can take today to defend the future of scientific discovery.
The danger of silence
We are discouraged by the choice of Columbia University at conform With the Trump administration rather than contesting them in court to defend education and research. We think it’s a mistake. There is no appeasement of an administration with the intention of eroding the foundations of higher education. If we sacrifice academic freedom now, we will continue to lose ground – harm generations of students, researchers and educators. Columbia is a test case for the attempts of this administration to control our higher education institutions. What will Stanford do when they come for us? Are we going to fold the knee like Columbia? Or are we going to fight for our students, scientists and teachers to freely pursue scientific knowledge, without fear of sanction from the government?
We cannot afford to be passive. History has shown us that anticipated obedience – comply with unfair requests before they are applied – only accelerates the erosion of rights. AAUP explicitly warned against this because respect for authoritarian policies will not protect us from other attacks.
Why the AAUP counts
Honestly, we had not heard of AAUP until recently. However, we have discovered that AAUP is one of the strongest organizations between the academic world and authoritarian overtaking. He actively retaliated, not only by plea, but by clear legal action. The organization came to The defense of the teaching school researchers of Columbia UniversityContinuing the federal government for the cessation of scientific research to suppress discourse. He has deposited proceedings contesting the policies of the Trump administration who threaten to expel teachers and students for a legal protest. He brought legal action against attempted dismantling of the Ministry of Education. He continues to stop the abolition of scientific research and block the decrees that seek to Prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Beyond legal defense, AAUP provides essential space for teachers through disciplines and institutions to unite. At a time when universities hesitate to act, AAUP authorizes the members of the faculty to make our voice heard. It is a place where we can share information, coordinate the responses and collectively defend the mission of higher education.
Academic freedom is not optional
It is not only a question of financing research or institutional policies. It is a question of knowing if we, as educators and researchers, have the freedom to seek scientific knowledge and to teach without suppression of the government. If our students will have funding for education, the ways of excellence and access to scientific resources. If researchers can pursue knowledge without partisan interference.
The Trump administration accelerates its attacks on academic freedom and shares governance with direct action against universities like ours. It is not a battle that we can fight as an individual. It requires collective action, organization and solidarity.
As teachers, we must take a stand – for our students, for our colleagues and for the future.
AAUP is leading this fight, but it cannot do it alone. Each teacher who joins strengthens our ability to reject the dismantling of scientific education and research in higher education. All teachers, regardless of occupation staff and academic staff, are eligible to join AAUP.
Each new member of AAUP says: We will not be silenced. We will not allow partisan ideology to dictate science, medicine or education. We will stay together to defend the knowledge itself.
Join us on April 11 at 4 p.m. for a meeting to find out more about AAUP and how to join the organization helps to defend science: https://bit.ly/stanford-aaup-april-2025
We have joined the chapter of Stanford de l’Aaup to defend our students, colleagues and researchers. If you believe in the value of higher education and the academic pursuit of knowledge, we urge you to do the same.
Lauren Tompkins is an associate professor of physics
Alyssa Burgart is an associate professor of anesthesiology, perioperative and pain medicine