Butler University President James Danko signed onto a letter speaking out against “unprecedented government overreach and political interference” at U.S. colleges and universities.
The letter, titled “A Call for Constructive Engagement,” was released April 22 by the American Association of Colleges and Universities. It called for the federal government to end stipulations on public research funding and to promote academic freedom and free speech. The letter does not specifically mention President Donald Trump.
At this point, 562 college presidents have signed onto the letter. Danko was one of four Indiana college leaders, all of whom represent private colleges, to sign. The Rev. Robert Dowd, president of the University of Notre Dame, Katie Conboy, president of Saint Mary’s College in South Bend and Paul Sniegowski, president of Earlham College, also signed.
Danko told Mirror Indy that his decision to sign the letter was not a political statement, but rather a call to let colleges and universities have a say in changes from the federal government.
“This is a higher education industry, and we’re the ones that should be empowered as experts that know our business to be in control of that,” he said. “We have to be at the table as this is happening, and not have things imposed upon us.”
Most of Indiana’s colleges and universities have not spoken against the Trump administration as they have adapted to the changes being made, including slashing government grants, attempting to ban DEI programs and revoking international students’ visas and legal statuses.
Indiana University Bloomington was on a list of colleges being investigated for its response to antisemitism on campus, and a congressional committee sought information about Chinese students and staff in science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs at Purdue, citing national security concerns.
When asked if he worried that speaking out would make Butler vulnerable to retaliation from the Trump administration, Danko said he felt like he needed to speak out for what he believes is right for the future of higher education in America.
“This is a different moment in time, in terms of what’s happening,” he said. “I think to not speak up — there’s no option, quite frankly.”
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Claire Rafford covers higher education for Mirror Indy in partnership with Open Campus. Contact Claire by email claire.rafford@mirrorindy.org, on most social media @clairerafford or on Signal 317-759-0429.
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