This article reports on three Yale University professors, Marci Shore, Timothy Snyder, and Jason Stanley, who are leaving their posts to teach at the University of Toronto due to concerns about the political climate in the United States under President Trump. The professors express fears for their safety and the potential erosion of civil liberties.
Shore, a historian, recounts her thoughts on what she would do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were to arrive at Yale to detain foreign students. She wonders whether she would be brave enough to intervene or simply run away. Her musings are described as a “canary in the coal mine” moment, suggesting that others may share similar fears.
The article quotes Shore as saying that many academics and individuals have expressed concerns about leaving America, but others feel a moral imperative to stay. She acknowledges her own guilt for leaving and notes that she does not consider herself courageous or willing to risk imprisonment.
Shore also discusses the impact of the Ukrainian-Russian war on Ukraine’s citizens, many of whom are struggling with feelings of resentment and defeat. She reflects on how these experiences have influenced her perspective on the current state of America under Trump’s leadership.
The article ends by highlighting Shore’s concern that Ukraine is losing two voices within the United States, but she believes that their influence will not be diminished by leaving the country.
Some possible questions to consider based on this article include:
* What are some potential consequences for academics and individuals who speak out against the current administration in the United States?
* How do you think the experiences of Ukraine’s citizens during the Russian invasion have shaped Shore’s views on America under Trump?
* In what ways can voices from outside the US continue to influence policy and public opinion within the country?