You can criticize academia for its imperfect system. You can criticize specific academics because of their views. You can criticize academics despite their expertise and credentials. However, a strong disdain for intellectuals and the arts will always be indicative of fascism.
I know this, because I live in a country that had suppressed academic freedom.
@neuronakaya Ur-fascism symptom number 3.
"Thinking is a form of emasculation. Therefore culture is suspect insofar as it is identified with critical attitudes."
https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/umberto-eco-ur-fascism