Woke Me When It’s Over
Many, perhaps most, Americans are just now waking up to the meaning of “woke.” What does “woke” have to do with looting, bricks, fires, and blood in Portland, Seattle, and … Continue reading “Woke Me When It’s Over”
If All Men are Created Equal, Why Do We Need Grades?
I just finished a fascinating book, The Recovery of the West, by polymath Englishman Michael Roberts. Roberts became famous as a poet, but was trained as a scientist and spent … Continue reading “If All Men are Created Equal, Why Do We Need Grades?”
Can Higher Education Be Saved? The Hope for Governance Reform
Academia is a troubled institution plagued by financial problems, falling academic standards, and poor educational outcomes. Especially concerning is its politicization; it increasingly sows racial discord, advocates for anti-American and … Continue reading “Can Higher Education Be Saved? The Hope for Governance Reform”
If We Jettison Standardized Testing, What’s Its Replacement?
The COVID-19 pandemic probably won’t kill the SAT, but will no doubt leave it in a badly weakened condition. Both the SAT (and its close competitor, the ACT) have had … Continue reading “If We Jettison Standardized Testing, What’s Its Replacement?”
UNC-Chapel Hill Creates Commission to Battle ‘Invisible Racism’
To say that the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has experienced racial tensions in the last few years would be an understatement. The most visible source of conflict … Continue reading “UNC-Chapel Hill Creates Commission to Battle ‘Invisible Racism’”
Loosening Social Justice’s Iron Grip on Academia
Social justice education—which teaches young people to view the world through the lens of oppression and demands unquestioning conformity—pervades nearly every nook and cranny of higher education: the administration, general … Continue reading “Loosening Social Justice’s Iron Grip on Academia”
How Medical Schools Are Polarizing Tomorrow’s Doctors
To be a successful doctor, it is no longer enough to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend an effective treatment. Today’s medical schools want their students to be well-versed in … Continue reading “How Medical Schools Are Polarizing Tomorrow’s Doctors”
The Continual Creep of Social Justice into Higher Education
Editor’s note: This article is adapted from a December 6 speech at an event hosted by the National Association of Scholars and the Martin Center on social justice and identity … Continue reading “The Continual Creep of Social Justice into Higher Education”
Macalester College: Liberal Arts or Monoculture?
Macalester College is a small (2,000-plus students), highly regarded, and very selective liberal arts college in St. Paul, Minnesota. It is proud of its liberal reputation and international outlook, and … Continue reading “Macalester College: Liberal Arts or Monoculture?”
Reforming Higher Education: A Reading List
As more students have headed to college and a degree is seen as a way to shape students as workers and as citizens, higher education’s mission has become more important. … Continue reading “Reforming Higher Education: A Reading List”