Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) discussed her new book, Poisoned Ivies: The Inside Account of the Academic and Moral Rot at America’s Elite Universities, with Sara Catalan, Executive Director of New Majority Orange County, at the Nixon Library on April 23, 2026.
Rather than writing a political memoir, the Congresswoman explained that she chose to write her first book on an issue she feels passionate about, offering an inside, behind-the-scenes look at the congressional “hearing heard around the world” involving the presidents of Ivy League universities. She described how that hearing “set off an earthquake and a long overdue conversation in higher education reform” that resonated across party lines and sparked significant consequences for what is happening in higher education today.
As a Harvard alumna, Rep. Stefanik explored how these historic universities veered so far from their founding mission statements, addressing the root causes behind the current state of higher education. For historical purposes, she included what she called a “catalog of horrors,” documenting the systemic antisemitic treatment of students on college campuses. She emphasized that what happens on college campuses ultimately translates to what happens in society at large, and called for a renewed focus on curriculum, particularly a return to civics education.
The book ends on an optimistic note. Stefanik described a “tectonic shift” in students choosing to move away from schools perceived as focused on political indoctrination, and highlighted universities she believes are getting it right. She also encouraged young people to be civically engaged, get involved, and seek out mentors.
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