Of Academic Freedom and False Alarms
It has been a very strange year. Three weeks ago I opened my email to find an unsolicited email from a lawyer, asking if I needed help. Odd, I thought, … Continue reading “Of Academic Freedom and False Alarms”
Politicization
Higher education’s fundamental mission is the discovery, preservation, and transmission of truth. This endeavor requires unfettered freedom of expression and conscience. The following articles expose illiberal tendencies on American campuses and highlight ways to increase the diversity of the ideas being taught, debated, and discussed on campus.
Blueprint for Reform: Institutional Neutrality
Blueprint for Reform: Institutional Neutrality is a policy guide for state legislators and university trustees. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining political and ideological neutrality in higher education institutions to … Continue reading “Blueprint for Reform: Institutional Neutrality”
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”
Did You Know? 13 UNC Entities Push Out Diversity Statements
After the killing of George Floyd and the protests that followed, several departments at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have released statements on their intention to fight … Continue reading “Did You Know? 13 UNC Entities Push Out Diversity Statements”
Did You Know? Demands to Change the ‘Tar Heel’ Name
On July 13, a dozen people from the Union Soldier Campaign protested to get leaders of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to drop “Tar Heels” as the … Continue reading “Did You Know? Demands to Change the ‘Tar Heel’ Name”
The Power of Denunciation in Political Science
A recent case of attempted silencing and censorship has roiled the field of political science. Two gender studies professors, Allison Howell of Rutgers University and Melanie Richter-Montpetit of the University … Continue reading “The Power of Denunciation in Political Science”
Whither Race-Neutrality in California?
In 1996, California voters approved Proposition 209 by an impressive 56-to-44 percent majority. Prop 209 amended the state’s constitution to prohibit the granting of preferences based on race or gender. … Continue reading “Whither Race-Neutrality in California?”
The Sociology of the Academic Outrage Mob
The academy seems built for public controversy because professors are encouraged to question ideas and popular beliefs. It shouldn’t be surprising that academic outrage has a long history. In the … Continue reading “The Sociology of the Academic Outrage Mob”
Did You Know? Two British Reforms America Should Copy
Two recent British policy briefs on academic freedom and university reforms provide some broad suggestions applicable to colleges, British or otherwise. Policy Exchange, a center-right think tank, published “Academic Freedom … Continue reading “Did You Know? Two British Reforms America Should Copy”
How to Renew Traditional Historical Study in Graduate Schools
I’m sometimes asked why it is so difficult for PhD students of a conservative bent to survive and flourish in history graduate programs these days. It’s not enough to say … Continue reading “How to Renew Traditional Historical Study in Graduate Schools”