This analysis addresses institutional resilience amid budgetary constraints and attacks on diversity in higher education, suggesting strategic leadership may be key.
As the political climate continues to shift — and, in many cases, to harden — higher education institutions are under extraordinary pressure. Higher ed is facing unprecedented shrinking public trust, legislative overreach, deepening budgetary constraints, and targeted attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and academic freedom. These challenges demand more than quick pivots or temporary fixes. They require strategic, values‐based leadership and a sober assessment of whether our institutions are truly equipped to withstand what lies ahead. For leaders in higher ed, these trends are more than abstract; they shape every decision you make, every conversation you hold, and every resource you steward.
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Autumn A. Arnett (2025) studied this question.
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