COVID Authoritarians Invading America’s Elite Universities

Elite American Universities Embrace COVID Authoritarians

For centuries, elite American universities have prided themselves on offering students the opportunity to learn from world-renowned leaders. These universities have traditionally sought out leaders who embody and advocate for the principles of freedom and democracy upon which the country was founded. However, a concerning trend has emerged in recent years. Instead of championing freedom, these universities are now bringing on leaders who have advocated for the closure of businesses, schools, and the lockdown of the economy in the name of public health.

It seems that higher education in America now values a public servant’s expertise and reliability based on their actions to stifle freedom rather than their commitment to preserving it. Soon, COVID authoritarians will be walking the halls of America’s elite universities.

Jacinda Ardern

The former New Zealand prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, shocked the world when she stepped down from her position in January. Just three months later, she was appointed to two prestigious fellowships at the Harvard Kennedy School. Ardern will serve as the 2023 Angelopoulos Global Public Leaders Fellow and a Hauser Leader in the school’s Center for Public Leadership.

Harvard Kennedy School Dean Douglas Elmendorf praised Ardern’s strong and empathetic political leadership, stating that she will bring important insights for students and generate vital conversations about public policy choices.

Ardern’s no-tolerance approach to COVID, which included keeping New Zealand’s international borders closed for nearly two and a half years, drew both praise and criticism. She unapologetically implemented vaccine mandates, openly acknowledging that they created two classes of citizens.

Lori Lightfoot

Former Chicago Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot will also be joining the ranks of COVID authoritarians at Harvard. Despite lacking a background in public health, Lightfoot’s COVID response, which involved closing schools and businesses, earned her a position as a Richard L. and Ronay A. Menschel Senior Leadership Fellow at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Harvard Dean Michelle Williams commended Lightfoot’s strong leadership in advocating for health, equity, and dignity for every resident of Chicago. Lightfoot’s experiences and insights into leadership decision-making during the pandemic are expected to benefit Harvard students.

Despite facing criticism for breaking her own COVID rules, including getting a haircut during salon closures and attending a WNBA game without a mask, Lightfoot will have regular office hours to meet with students, faculty, and staff during her time at Harvard.

Anthony Fauci

Anthony Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), will be joining the faculty of Georgetown University as a Distinguished University Professor. Fauci’s extensive experience in infectious diseases and his influence on public policy decisions throughout the pandemic earned him this prestigious position.

Georgetown President John J. DeGioia expressed gratitude for Fauci’s expertise, strong leadership, and commitment to guiding the next generation of leaders. However, Fauci faced criticism for his changing mask guidance, advocacy for business and school closures, and questionable statements about funding gain-of-function research at the Wuhan lab.

Despite the controversies surrounding Fauci, Georgetown University is honored to welcome him and believes that his contributions will help address pressing issues of our time.

These elite universities, Harvard and Georgetown, are embracing COVID authoritarians, ensuring that their influence reaches the minds of American students who will shape the future of the country.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases