Colleges and universities like Harvard and Columbia have found themselves in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons — pummeled by politicians over diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, accused of tolerating antisemitism on their campuses, and roiled by angry student demonstrations.

While I am not oblivious to pressures that colleges and universities face, I’m dismayed by some schools’ obsequious responses to assaults on their mission and integrity. Having worked in higher education for more than 40 years, I’m well aware of its imperfections. But I’m also conscious of the good work they do, both in and out of the classroom.

Most provide valuable support and guidance to young people at critical moments in their lives. They help students untangle and understand the world’s complexities, inspiring them to become more thoughtful and informed. Many also serve as unapologetic voices for free inquiry, human rights, and democracy.

Can higher education regain its equilibrium? Definitely. But colleges and universities must retake the narrative from naysayers. They must become their own advocates, articulating the nature of their work and its importance to students and the country at large.

They must proclaim to everyone within earshot, especially incoming students and their parents, that their role is to teach, not indoctrinate. They must be clear about valuing learning and welcoming different viewpoints. They must stress the need to respect others and to expect respect in return. And they must confront the poison of prejudice, while acknowledging the sometimes-fine line between legitimate debate and arguments couched in bigotry.

A formidable task? Yes and no. Most colleges and universities already embrace these values, even if they don’t always state them so directly. Now’s the time for schools to be more emphatic about what they stand for and why their work matters. No time to cower.

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