Conservative commentator Dinesh D'Souza has sparked controversy with a recent tweet calling for extreme measures against what he terms a "malevolent woke matriarchy" in American colleges. On August 1, 2025, D'Souza, known for his outspoken views, stated on social media, > "Our colleges today are run by a malevolent woke matriarchy, attended by a retinue of freaky, amoral, emasculated males. This entire group needs to be terrorized into submission, or driven out altogether. Their ruin is necessary for the reopening of the American mind."
This statement aligns with D'Souza's long-standing critique of higher education, which he has consistently characterized as dominated by liberal ideologies. His 1991 book, "Illiberal Education: The Politics of Race and Sex on Campus," was a foundational text in the discourse surrounding political correctness and perceived academic bias in American universities. He has frequently argued that intellectual freedom on campuses is stifled by progressive agendas.
D'Souza's rhetoric often employs provocative and confrontational language to highlight his criticisms of contemporary cultural and political trends. His past comments and works have frequently drawn both strong support from conservative audiences and sharp condemnation from those who view his statements as divisive and inflammatory. He has been a prominent voice in conservative media, producing documentaries and authoring books that challenge mainstream narratives.
The call to "terrorize into submission" or "drive out altogether" elements within academia represents a significant escalation in the language used to discuss ideological differences in higher education. Such pronouncements contribute to a heated national debate about academic freedom, free speech, and the role of universities in society. The statement underscores a deep ideological chasm regarding the direction and values of American educational institutions.