Connecticut's top lawyer urges a commitment to values

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong visited Eastern Connecticut State University for a conversation with President Karim Ismaili on Oct. 29 in the Student Center Theatre. Tong delved into his role as the state's top lawyer, navigating today’s political and social changes, and the importance of the liberal arts in education.

“From my perspective,” said President Ismaili, “Attorney General Tong is a principled statewide leader who understands the importance of standing up for those who may not have the ability to do so themselves.”

He continued: “While not everyone will agree with his views or the cases he pursues, I find that he is willing to engage in dialogue and debate respectfully and openly. For a university, this powerfully models what is often sorely lacking in our nation today. I was so pleased that so many members of our community attended this event.”

Leading a group of 225 lawyers and more than 300 staff, Tong described his office as “the state’s largest law firm,” dealing with issues from infrastructure and tax disputes to child protection and federal lawsuits.

“I represent all the functions of state government, including Eastern Connecticut State University,” Tong told the audience. “I go from issue to issue to issue; I must switch gears a lot.”

Despite juggling cases, Tong explained that the core of his work is his commitment to defending the sovereignty of the state of Connecticut.

“[Connecticut] is an independent state, sovereign, joined together by our consent in a federation with 49 other states,” said Tong, adding that the states delegate certain functions to the federal government, such as national security.

“The federal government is the lead authority on matters that we delegate, but not on everything else. ... For example, the academic freedom of Eastern is none of the federal government's business.”

When asked about recent challenges posed by the federal government to higher education, including funding restrictions and immigration, Tong urged the audience to have the “stamina to stay in this fight.”

He encouraged institutions to stay true to their missions and not compromise their values.

Tong scrutinized federal efforts to suppress diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in education due to the interconnectedness of the United States and the rest of the world.

“There is no world in which America is less diverse, there's no world in which we are not empowering and advancing women leaders and our LGBTQIA+ community; we need them,” said Tong.

Tong reflected on the importance of immigration and its influence on the American economy and identity. “America runs on Dunkin' and on immigrant workers,” he said.

“Half of all farm workers, agricultural workers, meat packing workers in this country, 50% are undocumented,” Tong continued. “I'm not saying that we don't need immigration reform. We do, but we also need these workers.”

A Connecticut native, Tong grew up in the Hartford area working with his immigrant parents in their family’s Chinese restaurant. He reflected on his heritage and how his gratitude shaped the way he approaches his work, giving him resilience during challenging times.

“Be like the immigrants,” said Tong. “Get up and fight for every inch like my parents did. ... Fight for your family, fight for your neighbors, fight for your community. Stand up for them. Speak to them. Help them.”

Tong previously visited in May 2025 for Eastern's graduate commencement ceremony, when he was honored with Eastern’s inaugural Distinguished Public Service Award. Established by President Ismaili, the award is presented to an individual whose career exemplifies public leadership, civic engagement, and a commitment to justice — core values of Eastern’s liberal arts mission.