That’s what was on display following the October 7 brutality by Hamas, and not just by the infamous trio of Gay, Magill, and Kornbluth. Many (but not all) college and university presidents revealed themselves to be morally empty as they tried to avoid saying anything that might antagonize the Israel haters in their midst.
In today’s Martin Center article, Drexel University professor Stan Ridgley reflects on this, drawing a comparison between strong leaders and weak ones based on the movie Gladiator. In that film, Russell Crowe plays Maximus, and Joaquin Phoenix the preening, cowardly Commodus. Ridgley argues that most of our current crop of college presidents resemble Commodus.
Ridgley writes:
In quiet times, President Commodus appears onstage and at ribbon-cuttings merely to preside over credit-claiming rituals. He is most in his element when uttering universal banalities suitable for any occasion. This takes a peculiar talent, of course, but is totally bereft of authentic humanity. Barren political calculations inform each word and gesture. Such a posture serves President Commodus well, in good times.
But when something serious occurs, like the October 7 assault, President Commodus hides behind meaningless statements crafted by the PR flacks on staff.
Ridgley praises the few “Maximus” leaders, such as Florida’s Ben Sasse, who didn’t equivocate in his condemnation of the violence. Also, some alumni have entered the battle against spineless university leadership.
Read the whole thing.