Part 2/7:
Once revered as pillars of knowledge and innovation, elite universities are now grappling with a growing public distrust. Recent controversies surrounding university presidents—particularly their ambiguous responses to questions about anti-Semitic rhetoric—reveal a troubling trend. The movement from academic merit to a focus on ideological alignment has left many questioning the integrity of these institutions.
Zakaria argues that elite universities are no longer centers of academic excellence, but rather arenas for social and political maneuvering. The uproar has led to a reevaluation of their role in society, and the public is beginning to see these institutions in a new light.