In today’s charged geopolitical climate, university presidents must be prepared to manage campus protests with clarity, control, and confidence. Failure to do so can cost them their leadership post—and future job opportunities. We’ve seen this play out recently where higher education leaders were forced to step down after losing control of campus unrest. The message is clear: university presidents who fail to lead with strength and strategy risk being replaced.
Leadership Begins Before the Crisis
The best way to manage a protest is to prepare before it happens. Leaders must set clear expectations around free speech, protest locations, and acceptable conduct. It’s about striking a balance between allowing healthy expression and ensuring campus safety. Equally important is open communication with student leaders and faculty. I often tell my clients, “If you don’t take the time to listen before a crisis, don’t expect anyone to listen to you during one.” Building trust early can prevent protests from escalating into chaos as crises cost time, money, stakeholder trust, careers, and, in the worst of scenarios, freedom and lives. Engage local law enforcement early, they are part of the solution.
Firm Boundaries
No university can afford to let protests spiral out of control. That means holding people accountable when they cross the line. Harassment, bullying, and physical confrontations cannot be tolerated—period. Universities must also be extremely cautious about allowing outside agitators onto campus – many call these individuals professional protestors who often have ‘get out of jail’ strategies before being arrested. External groups generally hijack student movements, turning peaceful demonstrations into national spectacles that overwhelm leadership and damage institutional reputation while playing out on live television. Intriguing for viewership, terrible for the university.
Lessons from Leadership Failures
Recent history has shown what happens when presidents lose control:
· Columbia University: President Minouche Shafik resigned after allowing protests to escalate, leading to mass arrests and media scrutiny. (Taheri, M. (2024, August 15). Full list of college presidents who have resigned amid campus protests. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/full-list-college-presidents-who-have-resigned-amid-campus-protests-1939822)
· Brandeis University: President Ronald Liebowitz stepped down following a no-confidence vote due to his mishandling of student demonstrations. (Saul, S. (2024, September 25). Brandeis president steps down amid budget issues and protests. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/25/us/brandeis-university-president-resigns.html)
· Rutgers University: President Jonathan Holloway resigned as protests fueled a toxic campus environment he could no longer manage. (Rumpf-Whitten, S., & Fox News. (2024, September 18). Rutgers University president set to resign after contending with pandemic, anti-israel protests. Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/us/rutgers-university-president-resign-contending-pandemic-anti-israel-protests?)
Lead or Lose
In crisis, decisive leadership isn’t optional—it’s essential. University presidents must set expectations, enforce boundaries, and maintain control. Otherwise, they will lose not only credibility but also their jobs. Leadership is about making tough calls and standing firm in the face of adversity—because when presidents lose control, everyone loses. Every member of the university community—students, faculty, and staff—deserves an environment that is both emotionally and physically safe. It is the responsibility of leadership to foster a culture where learning can thrive without fear, intimidation, or undue disruption. When working with leaders facing adversity, I often say, “I’ve never known a leader to look in the rear-view mirror and say ‘I’m sorry I made the right decision.’” The right decision starts today, before the campus protest.
