University President Christopher Eisgruber ’83 was irked at the unscripted questions.
At the Council of the Princeton University Community (CPUC) meeting on Monday, Eisgruber was confronted with queries on the Trump administration and University governance from several students who had skirted the committee’s rules on submitting questions on advance.
The first question came from Vasanth Visweswaran ’28, who asked Eisgruber how he could use his position as chair of the Association of American Universities (AAU) to “defend all members of the University community from the recent Trump administration attacks on free speech, funding cuts and threats for deportations.”
“That’s not the question you submitted,” Eisgruber immediately responded. “Look, I’m gonna answer as best I can,” he continued.
“I think it is very important that we speak up about the good that higher education and universities do in our society,” Eisgruber said. He highlighted his roles as the board chair of the Association of American Universities and president of the University in defending the importance of higher education, citing an article he published in The Atlantic on March 19 condemning federal funding cuts at Columbia.
“I think that’s very different from opposing particular government officials or an administration,” he said in reference to defending universities.
“I would hope that anyone who takes a stand about wanting America to be great, [recognizes] that part of America’s greatness depends on the greatness of our research universities,” Eisgruber continued.
Historically, Eisgruber has embraced his role as a voice for higher education and the University — defending affirmative action or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients in Washington, for example. He also recently appeared on PBS News to discuss the implications of Columbia University’s policy responses to the Trump administration. On campus, however, Eisgruber characterizes himself as an administrator, not a politician.
The awkward exchange between administrator and student activist was unusual for a meeting that is typically procedurally rigid. Eisgruber’s responses were largely consistent with his restrained style and insistence on respecting University procedure.
The next question came from Rowan Johnson ’27, and was also unscripted.
“Will you be able to promise that you will not capitulate to the anti-democratic demands of the Trump administration, like the administration of Columbia University has done?” Johnson asked.
Eisgruber objected similarly. “These questions are not the questions that came in, you guys ... I think it’s important that we hold to the procedures,” he continued. However, he did engage with the question, adding, “I will just say that Princeton University will stand firm for its values and mission.”
The final question was asked by Zach Goldberg ’28. “I hope this is the question that you submitted in advance,” said Eisgruber.
Goldberg answered in affirmation, beginning with, “this ought to resemble the question we submitted in advance.” Goldberg then expressed concern over recent Environmental Protection Agency plans, Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportations, and cuts to National Institute of Health funding, amid a slew of executive orders in the first few months of the Trump Administration.
“Will the University commit to giving students a real seat at the table when these decisions are made?” asked Goldberg.
“Again, that question doesn’t resemble one that at least was shared,” Eisgruber responded. He then praised the CPUC as a body that honors student involvement in University discourse. “The body we have right here is a body which is rare in higher education, in being one that allows for open deliberation and discussion of difficult issues in the University,” Eisgruber said.
Goldberg began to reply when Eisgruber added, “No, I’m not actually going to allow a follow up, because that question itself wasn’t submitted to us.”
Goldberg then called out to the crowd, “So, we will not have a seat at the table” as student members of Sunrise Princeton stood up and filed out of the meeting.
Eisgruber continued to the next item on the agenda, an update from the Resources Committee given by Jay Groves, the Hugh Stott Taylor Chair of Chemistry and Chair of Research. The update focused on a report of the Resources Committee’s decision earlier this month not to recommend dissociation to the Board of Trustees.
Next was Associate Provost for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, Sean Maxim’s presentation on the annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Annual Report. “Princeton remains committed to our values of diversity and inclusion,” Maxim said, echoing Esigruber’s sentiments from last month's CPUC meeting.
USG President Enzo Kho ’26 and GSG President Amari Tankard both gave short presentations reviewing their goals and planned initiatives for their respective terms.
The next CPUC meeting will be May 5.
Nikki Han contributed reporting.
Cynthia Torres is an assistant News editor and an Archives contributor. She is from New Bedford, MA. and typically covers University administration.
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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