Rethinking Higher Education: A Call to Embrace Builders Over Destroyers

Rethinking Higher Education as a Defining Choice

In every generation, societies face a pivotal decision. Will we choose to build or destroy? Today, higher education stands at a significant crossroads, and we must navigate this path thoughtfully.

As a scientist and trustee at Columbia University, I have observed the challenges facing our educational institutions. Once renowned for its commitment to intellectual progress, Columbia now grapples with threats from both outside forces and disruptive ideologies within its walls. These threats often glorify chaos over creation, grievance over growth, and destruction over meaningful discourse.

The Impact of Ideological Extremes

The narrative of destruction resonates personally with me. My family, Persian Jews, fled Iran during the revolution, escaping violence, extremism, and oppression. We sought refuge in the United States, a nation synonymous with hope, freedom, and opportunity. Education became our pathway to success, enabling us to transform our dreams into reality. We are now doctors, nurses, scientists, engineers, and active community members.

Witnessing a Shift in Campus Climate

I earned my doctorate at Columbia, a transformative experience that opened doors to scientific discovery and innovation. Through my education, I founded a biotech company dedicated to developing treatments for patients facing rare diseases. This journey highlighted the value of academic freedom and leadership, principles I once considered foundational to my university experience.

However, this spring, my home became a refuge for my children and their classmates, who no longer felt safe on Columbia’s campus. Their fears did not arise from academic challenges or rigorous debate but from an atmosphere of intimidation. Protesters, some masked, took control of the university’s physical spaces, disrupting classrooms, libraries, and other vital areas.

Columbia’s Report on Antisemitism

A recent report released by Columbia examined antisemitism and campus climate, revealing that disturbances led to 87% of Jewish and 83% of Muslim students feeling anxious about expressing their beliefs. This alarming statistic underscores a crisis where intimidation compromises the educational experience for an increasing number of students.

The Dangers of Erosion

After raising concerns about rising antisemitism on campus, I found myself targeted by certain media commentators. Their intent seemed clear: to erase decades of my contributions to academia and society through calculated misinformation.

Critics fail to grasp an essential truth: it is far easier to destroy than to build. Throughout my career, I have established a company, advanced research, and discovered new pharmaceutical breakthroughs. Such accomplishments exemplify what it means to build—actions grounded in innovation, problem-solving, and positive change. In contrast, destroyers wield negativity and seek to dismantle existing systems.

The Easy Path of Destruction

In our current society, it is crucial to recognize the ease of tearing down an institution or reputation. This destruction often occurs anonymously behind computer screens or masks, escaping personal accountability. While such actions may attract fleeting attention, they rarely result in lasting change. My experiences taught me that true creation necessitates grit, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to impact.

Columbia’s Legacy of Innovation

For generations, Columbia University has served as a beacon for innovators, fostering statesmen, Nobel laureates, and medical pioneers. Its laboratories have produced groundbreaking cancer therapies, while its classrooms shaped intellectuals who influenced economies and fostered peace.

The true essence of Columbia—a monument to advancement—can be vandalized if we allow ourselves to be consumed by destruction. Modern campaigns against the university have not engaged in civil discourse but have resorted to acts of desecration, fostering division rather than solutions.

Implications Beyond Columbia

This struggle extends beyond the gates of Columbia. It reflects a moral dilemma facing our nation—especially within institutions that shape America’s future. Do we uplift or obliterate? Are we providing students the tools to think critically and pursue knowledge, or are we allowing intimidation to silence diverse perspectives and stifle educational growth?

Building a Positive Future Together

As parents, we must start teaching our children to contribute positively to our society. This effort begins at home but must continue in our nation’s highest educational institutions. It is fundamental to cultivate an environment that encourages diverse opinions, while adhering to nonviolent discourse and fostering a willingness to listen and learn from differing viewpoints.

Our educational systems should embody the hope and opportunity that define America. We must work collaboratively to reconstruct institutions like Columbia, ensuring that hatred and chaos do not overshadow our collective potential. This moment calls for a commitment to constructive action, recognizing that building requires courage—a trait that can inspire transformation across the country.

Let us unite to rebuild, fostering an environment where dialogue prevails over discord. The path forward demands bravery, but our combined resilience can lead to a brighter, more inclusive future within higher education and beyond.