Illustrations by Andrea Ucini

Making sense of the ways President Trump’s executive orders – and the actions of the U.S. Department of Education – will impact theological higher education has been difficult given a lack of clarity. In two conversations this year on the Good Governance podcast, Peter Lake, a Harvard-trained attorney, expert on education policy, and law professor, and In Trust Center consultant the Rev. David Rowe, Ph.D., a former president and governance expert, discuss the issues. Here are excerpts of four key points in the conversation:

Potential Fallout

Peter Lake: In the middle of the 20th century, the federal government was very generous to higher education and often de-tethered that from a lot of particular intrusion into schools’ internal affairs, curriculum, etc. But what has happened is that generosity has turned into a bit of a Trojan horse. We’re seeing public education, private nonsectarian, and then sectarian private education, which is in really a different position from the other two types of education that are out there. The Supreme Court, and I think even the Trump administration itself, have a respect for theological education. We’re dealing with a lot of fallout, not energy directed specifically at this particular area of the industry, but there are fallout implications, things like immigration, cutting grants, etc. And I think that’s where the concern level is that the war may be going on in another area, but everyone’s impacted by it.

What is it going to look like for life in this sector? … At some point the sector has to think about even if they aren’t targeted or even if they’re implicitly supportive, there are things that could happen. It could be very detrimental to the sector.

Clarity in Roles

David Rowe: We may need to be more explicit about differentiating our roles as citizens and our roles as trustees or presidents. I think in some cases we might see those lines blurring a little bit and want to be good citizens in the moment, however we define that for ourselves. But one of the things that remains clear is that as trustees or as leaders of institutions, we have an obligation to the mission of the institution and to the financial vitality of the institution itself. You have to weigh in the boardroom: How are we complying with the law and with our accreditors’ expectations at this particular time? And, if we’re not, what are the implications of that? These tensions are really difficult. Trying to tease out what’s in the long-term best interest of the institution is not necessarily easy right now.

Student Success

Lake: I would really be stressing student access, student persistence, student wellness, basic needs issues. … We’re teaching people with a purpose to bring something to society. I do think that you need to focus on the people that are there, that are learning and teaching, so that they can continue the mission of the school.

I think it will be more challenging than ever. And I think many of them will have spiritual challenges during this time. What is my place in history? What is my place in time in higher education? This is where board leaders in particular can be incredibly impactful on student lives by saying, “You are at a unique point in history. This is an inflection point.” And, across the spectrum, some of the institutions are embracing what’s happening with this administration. Others are somewhat neutral to it, some may oppose it. And I think you’ve got to get situational to understand who are my students? Who are my thought leaders, and how are they being impacted by this environment? This is a time for spiritual leadership in addition to financial, because these missions are not neutral on that. Our outcomes happen on dimensions that lack the traditional measurements of the scientific method in some ways.

The Big Picture

Rowe: The role of the board and the president is to have the long-term best interest of the institution in mind. There will be a year in mind that these institutions have to thrive through – 2030 or 2035. Think about what life looks like then and how your decisions will be read back to you then. Be thoughtful about that, but also be mindful of the financial realities. There could be some short-term and long-term, challenges particularly if undergraduate enrollment is depressed, the number of students coming and seeking graduate education of any type could be even lower than anticipated in five years. We need to be thoughtful about that. I would say we need to take care of the shepherds too. While it’s easy to get inward-focused here, let’s not miss the opportunity to support our graduates and those who are in leadership positions in faith communities. And let’s not miss the opportunity to bring disciplined moral reasoning to a society that could use it right now.

Listen to the episodes: click here