Often hailed as the pinnacle of intelligence and prestige, the Ivy Leagues (Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale) seem to be every student’s dream. However, most people are ignorant of the shady dealings of these “non-profits”. The conversation of corruption among these exclusive universities became viral on TikTok from this video of alumni discussing how experiencing Yale’s First Year Holiday Dinner changed her perspective of Ivy Leagues. She describes how the workers serving the food were predominantly people of color compared to the majority white student body. Additionally, much of the food not eaten at this dinner was thrown away. This video going viral is putting a foot in the door to opening up just how these institutions have monetized education.
In New Haven, the home of Yale University, a quarter of the population lives in poverty. While decimating the local economy because of its tax exemptions, Yale has become New Haven’s largest commercial buyer. There are many other examples in addition to Yale. As of 2023, UPenn has a $21 million endowment and a handful of properties excused from paying taxes. Due to the lack of payment, “residents eat the financial burden through inflated property taxes and increased rental costs”1. These exemptions drive up property taxes and rent for the residents while giving the billionaires a cushiony position at the top of the hierarchy.
Universities oftentimes claim their goal is to progress innovation and discovery among their students. Whether they establish stores or research centers, the building of these structures requires the gentrification of communities, many of which have been there for many decades. For example, in 1960, a council in Charlottesville, Virginia voted to abolish the majority African American community of Vinegar Hill to make way for a redevelopment program for the University of Virginia. The area was “home to 30 black-owned businesses and 139 family homes”2. These families are often pushed into less developed neighborhoods. Facilities constructed by these prestigious universities are used to conduct research. Later, the results of the research are sold for profit to pharmacies, tech companies, etc. Overall, the boost that private universities get from being spared from paying their dues ultimately degrades the surrounding communities.
Whether or not you still hold these institutions in high regard, there’s no denying that money is the main motivator for these schools. Their exploitation and disregard for the communities around them lead you to wonder how much they actually care about your education.
1. Day, M. The Rise of the UniverCity. Jacobin. https://jacobin.com/2021/09/university-cities-urban-development-gentrification 2. Kelley, F. Vinegar Hill, the demolished thriving Black Neighborhood. Abundant Life Ministries. https://charlottesvilleabundantlife.org/abundant-life-black-history-month-highlights-vinegar-hill-the-demolished-thriving-black-neighborhood/