Marianne Hirsch: The Erosion of Academic Freedom and the Authoritarian Threat to American Universities.

Marianne Hirsch on Free Speech, Authoritarian Tactics, and the Crisis in American Universities

Marianne Hirsch, a renowned scholar of comparative literature and gender studies at Columbia University, is widely respected for her work on cultural memory, trauma, and post-memory (the relationship of second-generation survivors to historical trauma). As a leading academic voice, she has long defended the role of the university as a place of intellectual freedom and ethical responsibility. Now, in light of recent crackdowns on campus activism and freedom of expression, Hirsch raises urgent concerns about the future of academic institutions in the United States.

Marianne Hirsch.

1. Suppressing Speech: A Classic Authoritarian Tactic

Across history, authoritarian regimes have attacked universities and stifled free expression.
Examples include:
- Nazi Germany
- Latin American dictatorships
- Current regimes in Russia, Hungary, and Turkey
The Trump administration weaponized accusations of antisemitism to justify these suppressions, using it as a smokescreen to crack down on dissent.

2. Jewish Voices Must Reject Misuse of Antisemitism

Hirsch stresses: as Jews, we must not allow antisemitism to be manipulated for political gain.
The false narrative conflates legitimate criticism of state policies with antisemitism, undermining genuine efforts to combat real antisemitic threats.
Jewish voices have a responsibility to resist this distortion.

3. Columbia University: A Test Case

Columbia is becoming the battleground for broader attacks on academic freedom.
The detention of student activists like Khalil highlights a dangerous precedent of illegal arrests.
Threats of cutting university funding are part of a larger effort to dismantle higher education’s critical independence.

4. Threat to All: No One is Safe

Hirsch warns that if green card holders can face deportation for activism, everyone is at risk:
- Undocumented students
- International students
- Faculty and staff on visas
- Even permanent residents
These actions foster a climate of fear and surveillance within academic spaces.

5. Erosion of the Academic Sanctuary

Reflecting on her 50 years of teaching, Hirsch recalls a university environment built on:
- Trust
- Deep thinking
- Discovery
- Protection of academic freedom
She expresses deep concern that these values are rapidly eroding.
Once dismantled, rebuilding the integrity and mission of American higher education could take generations.

Conclusion: A Call to Defend Academic Freedom

Marianne Hirsch’s reflections serve as both a warning and a call to action. The attacks on Columbia University are not isolated — they are part of a systemic effort to silence dissent and dismantle the pillars of critical inquiry. In these times, it is essential to defend the university as a sanctuary for free thought and to resist the misuse of antisemitism for political repression.

As Hirsch reminds us, the stakes are high: the future of education, democracy, and intellectual freedom is on the line.

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