Cornell's Pollack Says Tax Bill Hurts Higher Education

The video discusses the implications of proposed tax changes on higher education, focusing on endowments and graduate student stipends. Martha Pollack, President of Cornell University, expresses concerns about the negative impact on financial aid and academic operations. The discussion also touches on the broader cultural and policy implications, questioning the government's intentions and addressing perceptions of elitism in higher education.

What is Martha Pollack's main concern about the tax plan affecting higher education?

• It will incentivize philanthropists to donate more.

• It will improve the quality of education.

• It will increase student access and reduce costs.

• It will hurt higher education without a clear policy purpose.

How much does Cornell University spend annually from its endowment on financial aid?

• $50 million

• $240 million

• $75 million

• $100 million

What is the potential impact of the excise tax on Cornell's financial aid packages?

• It would reduce the number of packages by 2 to 300.

• It would have no impact on financial aid.

• It would increase the number of packages by 300.

• It would double the financial aid budget.

Why does Martha Pollack believe taxing graduate student stipends is harmful?

• It will have no effect on graduate education.

• It will make it easier for students to pay tuition.

• It will increase interest in graduate education.

• It will discourage students from pursuing advanced education.

What is one argument against the taxation of graduate student stipends according to the American Enterprise Institute?

• It will lead to an increase in graduate enrollment.

• It will improve the quality of graduate programs.

• It primarily affects international students who contribute to the economy.

• Most graduate students are domestic and unaffected.

What does Martha Pollack suggest is the real motivation behind the tax policies?

• To promote cultural diversity on campuses.

• To scrape up more money due to reduced taxes elsewhere.

• To increase access and affordability in higher education.

• To support universities in their financial struggles.

How might the tax policies affect recruitment and enrollment at universities?

• They will have no effect on recruitment.

• They will make universities more desirable.

• They will increase the number of international faculty.

• They will negatively impact recruitment and enrollment.