On April 30, the University launched “Stand Up for Princeton and Higher Education,” an intensive initiative engaging Princeton alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends in making the case for America’s colleges and universities.
The effort was launched in response to federal funding cuts to research, congressional proposals to dramatically increase taxes on college endowments and threats to academic freedom. Together, those actions put at risk the teaching excellence and world-class research that advance America’s prosperity, health and security.
Members of the Princeton community are invited, via the Stand Up website, to sign up to receive newsletters with information and action items. At Reunions, alumni and guests can wear Stand Up buttons and carry P-rade signs promoting the effort. Buttons will be available at Baker Tent, and signs will be distributed at the assembly area for the P-rade.
A recent Stand Up newsletter featured information about proposed legislation to increase the tax on university endowments, and what’s at risk if an increase moves forward. The newsletter points out that endowments power everything at Princeton, from its groundbreaking financial aid program to its world-leading research enterprise. Endowments supplement government investments in education, research, and state and local programs — at no cost to taxpayers. They turn private gifts into public projects that benefit every American and have helped make U.S. colleges and universities the envy of the world.
In just a few weeks, thousands of Princetonians have joined the Stand Up effort and many have acted on its calls to action. For example, a recent edition of the newsletter and Princeton’s social media channels featured a video message of support from Nobel laureate David MacMillan, the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry, whose federal research funding has been cut.
The Stand Up website includes a sign-up form to subscribe to the Stand Up newsletter as well as information and links about federal research funding, university endowments, financial aid, academic freedom and free speech. It’s a toolkit all supporters can use when speaking out on Princeton’s behalf — in conversation, in essays and anywhere you may have influence. You can also check out an archive of past issues of the newsletter.
Join the team and learn more about how you can Stand Up and support your Princeton and higher education.
