For years certain activists and academics have warned of the increasing corporate presence in our education system. Today, the corporatized University is a reality. Corporate leaders now govern on the highest decision making bodies in our schools.
Policy making is dominated by 'business boards' and presidents who moonlight as Corporate directors.
Corporations such as Coke, Nike, and Marriott have gained exclusive rights and sponsorships on our campuses. The autonomy of professors is held hostage through reliance on 'special' donor agreements, and a pressure to secure private funding. Fundraising has become the first priority of the university, leading to the allocation of much-needed resources into project which make the campus attractive to private donors Donations and funding for research are directed overwhelmingly to areas which directly benefit the business community. I.e. Faculties of Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy, and Management. Graduate students become cheap labour for big business, and public facilities are used for private gain.