In April 2018, Paul S. Levy resigned as a trustee of the University of Pennsylvania and as an overseer of its law school, to protest the University’s treatment of law professor Amy Wax. Despite his long-standing close ties to the institution as a board member, alumnus, and major donor, he took a resolute stand in defense of Professor Wax’s academic freedom. His resignation drew national public attention and was covered in multiple national media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. This video shares highlights from an extensive and illuminating conversation between Mr. Levy and ACTA President Michael Poliakoff.
On October 12, 2018, ACTA proudly presented the Jerry L. Martin Prize for Excellence in College Trusteeship to Mr. Levy for his steadfast commitment to protecting academic freedom. The award was established in 2015 to honor trustees who have shown exceptional courage and effectiveness in challenging the groupthink and status quo mentality that threatens the future of American higher education. Paul Levy has conducted himself in a way that sets a new standard for university governance.
A recent report by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) recently found that the University of Pittsburgh has failed to protect free speech on its campus, with most students being afraid to speak up in support of their beliefs.
ACTA’s Hero of Intellectual Freedom award was presented to Roland G. Fryer, Jr., professor of economics at Harvard University.
Censorship is ugly behavior, whether it comes from the right or the left. Fortunately, it is most often self-defeating, but it is a warning sign of deeper pathology. So we see in the matter of philosopher, filmmaker, and humanitarian Bernard-Henri Lévy’s new book, Israel Alone.
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