Three esteemed Yale professors flee to Canada over Trump concerns, set to join University of Toronto's renowned Munk School in major academic shake-up

Jason Stanley and historians Timothy Snyder and Marci Shore—are leaving the university and the United States to join the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy starting in fall 2025. Their departures, driven by concerns over America’s political climate and academic freedom, mark a significant loss for Yale and highlight growing anxieties about higher education under pressure from partisan attacks.

Why Three Yale Professors Are Leaving the U.S

Stanley cited Columbia University’s recent concessions to Trump-era policies as a tipping point. He expressed frustration over Columbia’s decision to overhaul protest rules and accept external oversight under federal pressure, calling it a “losing strategy” that prioritized survival over solidarity. Stanley worried other universities would follow suit, undermining academic independence. Snyder and Shore, who specialize in Eastern European history and have drawn parallels between fascist regimes and modern U.S. politics, emphasized personal and family reasons for relocating. However, colleagues noted their longstanding critiques of Trump’s policies and growing discomfort with America’s direction influenced their choice.
The trio’s exit follows years of tension. Snyder and Shore had reportedly been courted by the Munk School for years, but recent political shifts accelerated their decision. Shore hinted that the November 2024 elections and fears of democratic erosion played a role, calling the climate an “American descent into fascism.” Stanley, known for his bestselling book How Fascism Works, warned that universities are failing to protect students and faculty from government overreach.

A Loss for Yale, a Gain for Toronto

Yale faces a void in