'Nobody should suppose that this will stop at Columbia'
'Opinion, comment and editorials of the day'


'The cost of the government's attack on Columbia'
Christopher L. Eisgruber at The Atlantic
The "rise of the American research university in the 20th century depended" on "strong principles of academic freedom," says Christopher L. Eisgruber. Recent "events have raised legitimate concerns about antisemitism at Columbia," but the "government can respond to those concerns without infringing on academic freedom." The "principles of that freedom do not give faculty or students the right to disrupt university operations," but the "government is using grants that apply to Columbia science departments as a cudgel to force changes."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
'We should stop acting as if Big Pharma is the big villain in American health care'
Erick Erickson at The Boston Globe
"It is easy to vilify" Big Pharma, says Erick Erickson. Americans "get expensive medical bills and regularly battle insurance companies for drug approvals." In "reality, virtually every doctor wants patients to make lifestyle changes, but many patients just want the pill." This is "not the fault of drug makers. We are the problem when we would rather take the injection or the pill." A "free-market system could and should provide a saner, more streamlined, and affordable system."
'Gonzaga's moment in the NCAA tournament is finally near'
Alex Kirshner at Slate
"Eventually, the Gonzaga Bulldogs are going to win the NCAA men's basketball tournament," says Alex Kirshner. But the "reasons to believe in Gonzaga this March are stronger than a writer's childish desire to subject a long-dead horse to more beatings." They "enter March Madness as by far the most underseeded team in the tournament relative to their true ability." This "time, this year, Gonzaga is poised to win the NCAA Tournament." They are "now deeply underrated."
'Mr. Musk, please defund the Legal Services Corporation'
Phillip Linderman at The American Conservative
As "Elon Musk and his DOGE team throw open the books to uncover corrupt and wasteful spending across the massive federal bureaucracy, they must not overlook the obscure Legal Services Corporation," says Phillip Linderman. This agency "doles out hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to a country-wide network of activist 'poverty' lawyers." It is "Great Society radicalism that Congress should have zeroed out," and is a "pass-through for money to go to a network of left-wing legal activists."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
5 holier-than-thou cartoons about the Pope's passing
Cartoons Artists take on a new ride, an old hat, and more
By The Week US
-
Creamy kale slaw with hazelnuts recipe
The Week Recommends This slaw with a 'cracking texture' makes the perfect side that will elevate any meal
By The Week Staff
-
Trump's war on academic freedom: how Harvard fought back
Talking Point Political pressure on institutions compromises academic independence – and risks damaging America's ability to attract international talent
By The Week UK
-
Trump's war on academic freedom: how Harvard fought back
Talking Point Political pressure on institutions compromises academic independence – and risks damaging America's ability to attract international talent
By The Week UK
-
'Nearly a quarter of a billion children had their education interrupted by climate-related natural disasters'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US
-
'It is a test of Africa's will to lead, not follow'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US
-
Elon Musk has his 'legion.' How will Republicans encourage other Americans to have babies?
Today's Big Question The pronatalist movement finds itself in power
By Joel Mathis, The Week US
-
'Congress could help by providing federal protections'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US
-
Musk vows DOGE pullback as Tesla profits plunge
Speed Read The Tesla SEO says he will soon step back from government matters to devote more time to the company
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
'"Andor" examines all sides of how empires operate'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US
-
'From his election as pope in 2013, Francis sought to reform'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US