Letter to the Editor: Stand Up for Your Students
Julien Davis
Contributor
3/6/25
My name is Julien Davis and I am an alumni from the class of 2022. I write to express my immense disappointment and opposition regarding the administration’s plan to cut funding for arts and humanities.
As a student at PSU, I studied political science, a subject that falls squarely within the humanities department on the chopping block. I was fortunate to earn my education through the teachings of several faculty members with different backgrounds and perspectives on the various topics we discussed in class. It is because of this diversity of perspective that I have a well-rounded understanding of both domestic and foreign political relations. Without having those different perspectives to draw from, I would be a far less critical thinker and I would have been far less prepared to engage in my studies at Northeastern University School of Law.
President Donald Birx’s plan to cut these programs is, to be frank, a cowardly capitulation to the fascist whims of the Trump administration. This kind of cowardice will make it much easier for the federal administration to achieve its Hitlerite education agenda, as Birx is demonstrating his willingness to bend the knee before he’s even been confronted with a real ultimatum. Right now, it is more important than ever before that powerful figures in education stand strong against the federal Department of Education to protect students and preserve the educational integrity of the University. Instead, these administrators (who are the very reason tuition has increased exponentially year after year) have waived the white flag, surrendering at the expense of thirty or more faculty who depend on PSU for employment, and generations of students to come.
As an alumni who has nearly earned a law degree and plans to work for prominent public interest organizations, I will use my voice to viciously oppose these cuts. Not only do I pledge to never donate to PSU if these budget cuts pass, I also pledge to inform other alumni of this news and encourage them to not to donate. I will publicly denounce the University and encourage anyone I know who is considering PSU for themselves or their children to not engage with the University in any capacity. I will seek out local news outlets to publicly denounce Donald Birx and call out his allegiance to the far-right takeover of the federal DOE.
One final word: Donald Birx, do your job and stand up for your students.
Best,
Julien Davis
Class of 2022