Higher Education Disruption: May Mailman, a Harvard-educated lawyer with roots in Kansas, emerged as a pivotal figure in reshaping US higher education policy during the Trump administration. As reported by the Times of India, Mailman spearheaded an assertive approach that challenged long-standing norms within elite universities, impacting areas from academic freedom to admissions practices and diversity initiatives.
A Policy Strategist’s Rise
Sylvia May Davis, known professionally as May Mailman, was born in 1988 and spent her formative years in predominantly white communities in Kansas. According to the Times of India, Mailman’s background shaped her perspective as one of the few individuals of Asian descent in her community, navigating social challenges that likely influenced her later policy work. She pursued journalism at the University of Kansas before attending Harvard Law School, setting the stage for her career in law and policy.
Early Career and Transition to the White House
Mailman’s early career included a notable stint as deputy solicitor general of Ohio. This experience provided her with a strong foundation in legal strategy and policy implementation. The Times of India details her transition into the first Trump administration, where she served as a legal advisor. In this role, she contributed to a broad range of policy areas, including healthcare, immigration, and social issues, showcasing her versatility and policy acumen.
Challenging Higher Education Norms
Mailman’s influence became particularly pronounced when she assumed the role of deputy assistant to the president and senior policy strategist. In this capacity, she played a central role in crafting policies that directly confronted what the administration viewed as problematic aspects of higher education. The Times of India reports that her efforts led to a more confrontational stance against institutions traditionally regarded as bastions of independent research and academic excellence.
Confronting Academic Freedom and Admissions Practices
A key aspect of Mailman’s work involved challenging the conventional understanding of academic freedom within universities. Her policies aimed to introduce greater accountability and transparency, pushing back against what some perceived as ideological biases within academic institutions. According to the Times of India, she also scrutinized admissions practices, particularly those related to affirmative action and diversity initiatives, advocating for a more merit-based approach.
Diversity Initiatives Under Scrutiny
Mailman’s work also focused on diversity initiatives within higher education. The Times of India notes that she questioned the effectiveness and fairness of certain diversity programs, advocating for policies that she believed would promote equal opportunity for all students, regardless of their background. This perspective often placed her at odds with university administrators and diversity advocates who argued for the importance of maintaining and expanding diversity efforts.
Ongoing Influence and Future Plans
Despite leaving her formal position in the White House in August 2025, Mailman remains involved in concluding ongoing negotiations as a special government employee. The Times of India specifically mentions her continued involvement in sensitive discussions with Harvard University regarding frozen federal research funding, indicating the significance and complexity of her ongoing work.
A Government Affairs Firm on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Mailman is planning to establish a government affairs firm. According to the Times of India, she has committed not to take on clients related to her previous administration projects, suggesting a desire to avoid conflicts of interest and maintain ethical boundaries. This venture signals her intention to remain engaged in the policy arena, leveraging her expertise and experience to influence future government decisions.
The Legacy of a Policy Disruptor
May Mailman’s impact on US higher education policy is undeniable. From her early career as a legal advisor to her influential role in the White House, she consistently challenged established norms and advocated for policies aligned with her vision. As the Times of India highlights, her work has sparked debate and controversy, but it has also prompted a re-evaluation of fundamental aspects of higher education. Whether her policies will lead to lasting change remains to be seen, but her role as a catalyst for discussion and reform is firmly established.
