Trump is demanding universities change policies or face defunding. Would Poilievre do the same?

U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre have both been making headlines with their threats to defund universities over ideological policies. Trump, in particular, has been freezing funding to Harvard University after the school refused to comply with his demands to change certain policies. Poilievre, on the other hand, has been sparse on details about what actions he might take if universities do not accede to his demands.

In a recent interview, Poilievre stated that he would defund universities with a “woke antisemitic agenda,” echoing Trump’s rhetoric against what he perceives as leftist ideologies on campuses. The Canadian Association of University Teachers has expressed alarm over Poilievre’s promises, warning against political interference in research funding.

Trump’s demands for universities in the U.S. have centered around protests related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which he has labeled as anti-American and antisemitic. He has threatened to cut off federal grants and contracts to universities that do not comply with his administration’s demands.

While Poilievre has not released specific details about his plans, experts warn that his threats to defund universities could be a threat to academic freedom. Past Conservative leaders in Canada, including Andrew Scheer, have also made similar pledges to pull funding from universities that do not uphold free speech on campus.

As the debate continues over the role of ideology in universities, it remains to be seen how Poilievre’s promises will manifest if he becomes Prime Minister. Critics argue that his policies could stifle academic freedom and limit the diversity of perspectives on university campuses. It is crucial for policymakers to strike a balance between promoting free speech and ensuring the integrity of academic research.