Universities are not only chasing state funding, but also wooing private benefactors. In return, the wealthy expect nothing less than the validation of their authority. Greedy capitalists donate to universities to clean their reputation and evade taxes. The university enables the rich to create an illusion of respectability and defend their wealth. This is a reciprocal bond, where one supports the other.
Productivity can be the reverse side of consumption. Being productive could foster consumption. Some business models rely on generating demand for their products. Whether production and consumption are enriching or destructive activities depends on the relationship between human beings and the environment. In an exploitative and extractive economy, productivity and consumption mean both exploitation of other humans and the decimation of nature.
Most of us can tolerate some kind and degree of violence, but ultimately refuse to take responsibility for the brutal oppression of fellow humans. We share the vision that it is inhumane to subjugate others and do not want to be in charge of an unfair and violent system.