The Right’s Attack on Universities

During Sunday’s episode of “Last Week Tonight,” John Oliver dedicated the main segment to Donald Trump’s relentless attacks on education, particularly targeting universities like Harvard. One of the most commonly used talking points by the right, Oliver pointed out, is the claim that universities are breeding grounds for liberal indoctrination. He highlighted how Fox News has been fueling this narrative for years, often exaggerating stories of “campus craziness” for their own benefit.

Stephen Miller’s Hypocrisy

Oliver delved into a 2007 appearance on “Fox & Friends” by Stephen Miller, who was then a senior at Duke University and now serves as the Trump White House deputy chief of staff. Miller complained on the show about campus newspapers refusing to run an ad that made derogatory claims about Muslims. Despite his claims of conservative censorship, Miller had a regular column at Duke where he freely expressed his views.

Oliver’s Critique

Oliver humorously reenacted the cringeworthy exchange between Miller and the Fox hosts, highlighting the hypocrisy and self-serving nature of the narrative pushed by the right. He emphasized the importance of not falling for the petty distractions and fear-mongering tactics used by those seeking to undermine the value of education.

Conclusion

Overall, Oliver’s segment shed light on the dangerous implications of Trump’s “war on education” and the need to defend the integrity of universities as spaces for critical thinking and diverse perspectives. It serves as a reminder to question the motives behind attacks on education and to prioritize the pursuit of knowledge over partisan agendas.