Starr Forum: America’s Culture War and its Impact on Universities, Innovation, and National Security

Starr Forum: America’s Culture War and its Impact on Universities, Innovation, and National Security | Wednesday, December 10, 2025 As political battles intensify over academic freedom, diversity initiatives, and immigration policy, US universities find themselves at the center of a national reckoning — one that could reshape the country’s scientific leadership and global competitiveness. From the growing risk of a “brain drain” to the challenges of maintaining open research environments in a polarized era, our speakers explored what is at stake for higher education, the innovation ecosystem, and America’s strategic position in the world. Speakers: L Rafael Reif, President Emeritus, MIT; Ray and Maria Stata Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Nina Srinivasan Rathbun, Professor, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto Moderator: Agustín Rayo, Dean, MIT School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences; Professor of Philosophy The MIT Center for International Studies (CIS) is a world premier, university-based research and education center. Learn more at https://cis.mit.edu/ Sign up for our email lists here: https://cis.mit.edu/connect-us The MIT Starr Forum is a flagship public event series hosted by CIS. Learn more at https://cis.mit.edu/events-seminars/s...