Elaine Maimon
@elaine-maimon.bsky.social
Educator, university administrator, and author with a long career in educational reform. Former president of Governors State University.
This week in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I ring in the new year by emphasizing the importance of hope in hopeless times. In 2026, let’s turn the higher ed disasters of 2025 into actions that will preserve what’s best about our local colleges.
How To Mobilize Hope In 2026
Elaine Maimon on how to turn the higher ed disasters of 2025 into actions that will preserve what’s best about our local colleges
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 31, 2025 at 4:05 AM
This week in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I ring in the new year by emphasizing the importance of hope in hopeless times. In 2026, let’s turn the higher ed disasters of 2025 into actions that will preserve what’s best about our local colleges.
This week in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I argue that we need to remember that college is not just a stepping stone to a profitable career; it should also be a place where students learn how to find meaning in their work and in the world.
College Prepares for Meaningful Life and Responsible Citizenship
A longtime university president reminds us that “career” means a life-path integrating work and meaning in the wider world
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
December 12, 2025 at 6:57 PM
This week in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I argue that we need to remember that college is not just a stepping stone to a profitable career; it should also be a place where students learn how to find meaning in their work and in the world.
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I condemn the hypocrisy of the Trump administration for their so-called war on antisemitism. His loud accusations of campus antisemitism are just a smoke screen for normalizing Naziism nationwide.
War on Antisemitism — or Distraction from Bigotry? - The Philadelphia Citizen
A longtime university president says Trump’s campaign to protect Jewish students against antisemitism masks his bigoted proclivities
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
October 31, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I condemn the hypocrisy of the Trump administration for their so-called war on antisemitism. His loud accusations of campus antisemitism are just a smoke screen for normalizing Naziism nationwide.
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I encourage young people to pursue careers in public service. We need to pave the way for the next generation of public servants by funding AmeriCorps, forgiving student loans, and supporting universities that offer service opportunities.
Public Service for College Grads
Public service gets a bad rap these days, but a fulfilling career can set college grads on a path to a fulfilling life
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
October 24, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I encourage young people to pursue careers in public service. We need to pave the way for the next generation of public servants by funding AmeriCorps, forgiving student loans, and supporting universities that offer service opportunities.
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I lament the loss of Landscape, the College Board’s tool to help colleges better understand the educational contexts of their applicants. They eliminated it because they were afraid to offend Trump. When playing it safe is the name of the game, tyranny wins.
Tyranny Wins in College Admissions
The College Board just cancelled Landscape, a tool that helped universities like Swarthmore and Haverford admit more low-income students
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
September 25, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I lament the loss of Landscape, the College Board’s tool to help colleges better understand the educational contexts of their applicants. They eliminated it because they were afraid to offend Trump. When playing it safe is the name of the game, tyranny wins.
This week in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I urge Americans to celebrate Constitution Day by defending it. At the heart of the U.S. Constitution is a series of promises—and those promises have been repeatedly broken by the Trump administration.
The Citizen Recommends: Celebrate Constitution Day
Constitution Day is more important than ever this year. How about an inspiring visit to the National Constitution Center to celebrate?
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
September 15, 2025 at 2:07 PM
This week in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I urge Americans to celebrate Constitution Day by defending it. At the heart of the U.S. Constitution is a series of promises—and those promises have been repeatedly broken by the Trump administration.
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I denounce Trump’s plan to rescind loan forgiveness for public servants who do not reflect the administration’s partisan politics. As Philly college students start classes this week, let’s encourage their studies by making affordable education available to all.
Partisanship Has No Place in College Loans
President Trump is rescinding loan forgiveness for people who he thinks flout his politics. Elaine Maimon cries foul
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
August 27, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I denounce Trump’s plan to rescind loan forgiveness for public servants who do not reflect the administration’s partisan politics. As Philly college students start classes this week, let’s encourage their studies by making affordable education available to all.
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I call on Pennsylvania colleges to follow the lead of UCLA and the Big Ten by joining together to fight attacks on education. It’s too easy for Trump to exhort transactional deals with lone universities. In unity, there is strength.
Local Colleges and Universities: Unite to Protect Higher Ed
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania colleges should follow the lead of UCLA and the Big Ten: Unite to fight attacks on higher ed
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
August 15, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I call on Pennsylvania colleges to follow the lead of UCLA and the Big Ten by joining together to fight attacks on education. It’s too easy for Trump to exhort transactional deals with lone universities. In unity, there is strength.
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I bemoan yet another attack on post-high school education—the One Big Beautiful Act has a provision that cuts funding for a tuition-free training program for welders. How does Trump expect to expand the U.S. naval fleet without any welders?
Is Trump Targeting Welders Now?
A provision of Trump's OBBA threatens to disrupt shipbuilding at Philly’s Navy Yard. Elaine Maimon calls out another attack on post-high school education
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
July 31, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I bemoan yet another attack on post-high school education—the One Big Beautiful Act has a provision that cuts funding for a tuition-free training program for welders. How does Trump expect to expand the U.S. naval fleet without any welders?
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I explain what our Congressional leaders can learn from America’s pastime. In politics as in baseball, when we are focused exclusively on defending our own singular position, we risk encroaching upon others’ legitimate territory.
Can Congress Learn Bipartisanship from ... Baseball?
A longtime university president urges a return to bipartisan fair play in Congress — just like in baseball, catcher's interference and all
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
July 23, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I explain what our Congressional leaders can learn from America’s pastime. In politics as in baseball, when we are focused exclusively on defending our own singular position, we risk encroaching upon others’ legitimate territory.
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I remind everyone that even though it’s summer vacation, we have to remain vigilant. Get off your beach chair, put down your mango margarita, and call your Senators one more time before summer recess.
Prevent Another Threat to Education, Object to the Rescissions Bill
Get off your beach chair, put down your mango margarita, and call your Senators one more time before they pass the Rescissions Bill
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
July 15, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I remind everyone that even though it’s summer vacation, we have to remain vigilant. Get off your beach chair, put down your mango margarita, and call your Senators one more time before summer recess.
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I lament that our government has undermined the principles of our Independence Day. This Fourth of July, let’s move beyond fireworks and hoagies to petition our elected officials to remember the original rallying cry, “No taxation without representation!”
This July 4th, Let’s Stand Up for Philadelphia Values
Remember Fourth of July 1776 rallying cry that launched our country’s fight against tyranny? It’s time to raise our voices again
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
July 4, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I lament that our government has undermined the principles of our Independence Day. This Fourth of July, let’s move beyond fireworks and hoagies to petition our elected officials to remember the original rallying cry, “No taxation without representation!”
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I explain how the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” hurts students. If this bill passes the Senate, it will inevitably compromise American higher education and damage students’ access to college degrees.
The Big Beautiful Bill is Ugly for Students
The Big, Beautiful Bill is big, but ugly. Protest against the House Republican reconciliation bill now before the U.S. Senate approves it
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
June 5, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I explain how the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” hurts students. If this bill passes the Senate, it will inevitably compromise American higher education and damage students’ access to college degrees.
This week in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I denounce Trump’s war on international students. We cannot define patriotism as exclusion. We cannot give our consent to these mean-spirited and unconstitutional actions that threaten not only Harvard, but all U.S. colleges and universities.
International Students Strengthen America
A longtime university president calls upon citizens to welcome students from around the world for our own benefit, and the world's
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
May 30, 2025 at 10:01 PM
This week in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I denounce Trump’s war on international students. We cannot define patriotism as exclusion. We cannot give our consent to these mean-spirited and unconstitutional actions that threaten not only Harvard, but all U.S. colleges and universities.
Today for @kansascity.com, I condemn Trump and the far right for claiming to fight antisemitism while they deliberately exploit it. Let’s be clear: They are using Jewish people as pawns in a broader war on education.
Trump and the far right don’t fight antisemitism. They exploit it | Opinion
As one Democratic lawmaker asked his GOP colleagues: “Do you condemn Trump’s pardoning of the Jan. 6 felon who praised Hitler?” | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
May 24, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Today for @kansascity.com, I condemn Trump and the far right for claiming to fight antisemitism while they deliberately exploit it. Let’s be clear: They are using Jewish people as pawns in a broader war on education.
On May 7, Haverford College President Wendy Raymond was summoned for yet another installment in the dramatized kangaroo court produced by the Republicans of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Congress needs to stop persecuting colleges under the guise of fighting antisemitism.
Stop Using Antisemitism as a Weapon Against Higher Education
A longtime university president tells Congress to cease and desist from persecuting colleges under the guise of fighting antisemitism
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
May 13, 2025 at 5:18 PM
On May 7, Haverford College President Wendy Raymond was summoned for yet another installment in the dramatized kangaroo court produced by the Republicans of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Congress needs to stop persecuting colleges under the guise of fighting antisemitism.
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I look at how DOGE’s recent cuts to AmeriCorps funding have impacted a crucial organization called PHENND. This little engine that could has been derailed in the name of reducing waste and fraud—is this really what “government efficiency” looks like?
Is this Really Government “Efficiency?”
Trump and DOGE supposedly want to make public institutions more efficient. So why are they targeting PHENND, which brings in money and impacts thousands?
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
May 8, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I look at how DOGE’s recent cuts to AmeriCorps funding have impacted a crucial organization called PHENND. This little engine that could has been derailed in the name of reducing waste and fraud—is this really what “government efficiency” looks like?
This week in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I argue that the Community College of Philadelphia needs to seek a new leader who will defend the core values of college independence and intellectual freedom, and who will strengthen partnerships with other Philadelphia colleges and K-12 schools.
What We Need in a Community College President
CCP President Donald Generals was fired on April 10. A long-time university president has some hiring advice for the college’s board
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
April 24, 2025 at 1:57 PM
This week in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I argue that the Community College of Philadelphia needs to seek a new leader who will defend the core values of college independence and intellectual freedom, and who will strengthen partnerships with other Philadelphia colleges and K-12 schools.
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I praise the presidents of Temple and Princeton—they’re setting an example for what university leaders must do to defend our constitutional rights from the Trump administration’s attacks.
#HigherEducation
#HigherEducation
Hail to the Champions of University Values
The presidents of Temple and Princeton are setting an example for what leaders must do in today’s political climate
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
April 16, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I praise the presidents of Temple and Princeton—they’re setting an example for what university leaders must do to defend our constitutional rights from the Trump administration’s attacks.
#HigherEducation
#HigherEducation
We are living in a time when the federal government is deliberately erasing historical documents and manipulating history. This week in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I urge my fellow Americans to ensure that we’re preserving and teaching the stories that form our democracy.
#Democracy
#Democracy
Winners Write the History …
Let’s ensure the American people are those winners by preserving and teaching the stories that form our democracy
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
April 8, 2025 at 10:33 PM
We are living in a time when the federal government is deliberately erasing historical documents and manipulating history. This week in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I urge my fellow Americans to ensure that we’re preserving and teaching the stories that form our democracy.
#Democracy
#Democracy
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I urge students to redirect their ire from universities to the real culprits: Trump and his administration.
This administration is deliberately putting universities in impossible positions. I am pleading with students not to take the bait.
#HigherEducation
This administration is deliberately putting universities in impossible positions. I am pleading with students not to take the bait.
#HigherEducation
Students, Direct Your Ire Where It Belongs
After Penn students protested university leadership, Elaine Maimon points to the real threat that needs protesting: the federal government
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
March 25, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I urge students to redirect their ire from universities to the real culprits: Trump and his administration.
This administration is deliberately putting universities in impossible positions. I am pleading with students not to take the bait.
#HigherEducation
This administration is deliberately putting universities in impossible positions. I am pleading with students not to take the bait.
#HigherEducation
Among other effects of Pres. Trump’s chaotic funding freezes, Americans with student loans no longer have access to critical payment info. Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I give my advice to stressed-out borrowers: Call your Congressional representative!
Need Help with Student Loans as Federal Offices Close? Call Reps
Among other effects of Pres. Trump’s chaotic funding freezes, Americans with student loans no longer have access to critical payment info.
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
March 19, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Among other effects of Pres. Trump’s chaotic funding freezes, Americans with student loans no longer have access to critical payment info. Today in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I give my advice to stressed-out borrowers: Call your Congressional representative!
Today on @whyy.org, I joined Jonathan Zimmerman, professor of education at @upenn.edu, and Rick Hess, the director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, in responding to the Trump administration’s recent attacks on higher education.
Are universities too liberal? Unpacking Trump's attack on higher ed over campus protests, DEI policies
The Trump administration’s attacks on higher education have colleges and universities reeling. The president targets more than 50 schools, including Rutgers, over its DEI policies, others freeze hirin...
whyy.org
March 19, 2025 at 2:05 AM
Today on @whyy.org, I joined Jonathan Zimmerman, professor of education at @upenn.edu, and Rick Hess, the director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, in responding to the Trump administration’s recent attacks on higher education.
Last week in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I praised Temple’s new Future Scholars program, which will provide college prep for Philly public school students from 7th-12th grade. Other universities should follow Temple’s example and take action to make inclusion a reality.
#TempleFutureScholars
#TempleFutureScholars
Temple’s Future Scholars
Why other universities should follow the Temple Future Scholars example and take action to make a reality of diversity, equity and inclusion
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
March 10, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Last week in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social, I praised Temple’s new Future Scholars program, which will provide college prep for Philly public school students from 7th-12th grade. Other universities should follow Temple’s example and take action to make inclusion a reality.
#TempleFutureScholars
#TempleFutureScholars