Kathleen McCartney: Cites impact of tax plan on liberal arts colleges

Janet Lorin’s Jan. 12 article (“Liberal losers: A $200 million tax targets blue-state colleges”) on how liberal arts colleges will be affected by the new Republican tax plan is — to coin a phrase — right on the money.

This tax has nothing to do with sound economic policy. Rather, it is punishment of colleges and universities perceived as the liberal elites.

Raising $1.8 billion over 10 years from 30 schools will have a minuscule effect on the federal budget; however, it will have a significant negative impact on these colleges — and the students who attend them.

Increasing access to higher education is a critical problem of our times. This tax will make that problem harder to solve.

These 30 institutions produce cutting-edge research and the future leaders of our country. Further, they are among those that offer the most generous financial aid packages. For example, at Smith College, 61 percent of students receive need-based aid from the college, totaling almost $66 million.

American higher education is the envy of the world. Both sides of the aisle need to recognize this.

Kathleen McCartney

Northampton

The writer is president of Smith College.