Sustainable Development Goals and Higher Education
The Current Situation
During commencement season, colleges and universities across the country are facing challenges related to protests, encampments, and violence by pro-Palestinian activists disrupting campus life and engaging in antisemitic behavior. Higher education administrators are under scrutiny for their responses to protester demands, campus safety, and the rights of students and faculty.
Testimony Before the U.S. House Committee
On May 23, university presidents from UCLA, Rutgers, and Northwestern testified before the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce regarding campus antisemitism and responses to pro-Palestinian encampments. This marks the third time university leaders have been called to Capitol Hill since the Israel-Gaza war protests following Hamas’s attack on Israel.
The Role of Donors in Higher Education
Many donors in higher education are frustrated with the lack of leadership in addressing antisemitism on campuses. Donors have the power to drive change strategically by supporting academic centers that align with their values and promote open debate and intellectual diversity.
The Trendsetters
- The Witherspoon Institute: A center independent from Princeton University, focusing on American values.
- The Foundation for Excellence in Higher Education: Supporting similar centers at elite universities.
- School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership at Arizona State University: A school with two centers promoting civic engagement.
Five New Centers Advancing American Values
- Bruce D. Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization at the University of Colorado Boulder.
- Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida.
- School of Civic Life and Leadership at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
- School of Civic Leadership and Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin.
- Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society at The Ohio State University.
Tips for Higher Ed Donors
- Ally yourself with a faculty member who shares your mission.
- Ensure top administrators respect academic freedom.
- Allocate funding based on performance and fidelity to your goals.
By following these tips and supporting academic centers, donors can reshape the campus environment and restore American values in higher education.
For more information on higher education donor services, visit Philanthropy Roundtable’s Higher Education Donor Services.
## Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article
### SDG 4: Quality Education
### SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
## Specific Targets Identified in the Article
### Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
### Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
## Indicators Mentioned in the Article
### – University responses to antisemitism and pro-Palestinian protests
### – Establishment of academic centers promoting American values
### – Funding and support for academic centers dedicated to advancing intellectual diversity
## Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|——|———|————|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles. | University responses to antisemitism and pro-Palestinian protests |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. | Establishment of academic centers promoting American values |
| | | Funding and support for academic centers dedicated to advancing intellectual diversity |
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Fuente: philanthropyroundtable.org
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