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.

Jan 21, 2015 · Jane S. Shaw

What progressives need to know

George Ehrhardt, one of the few avowed conservative political scientists at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, has published an article that attempts to explain to the political left what the political right’s views are on higher education.

Jan 14, 2015 · George Leef

Stanley Fish on the five schools of thought about academic freedom

When we speak about “academic freedom” what, exactly, do we mean? How far should academic freedom extend? How do we know when someone claiming it has actually abused it?

Jan 7, 2015 · Richard Redding

6 politically diverse social psychologists agree: the field needs more diversity

One of the most honest and revealing academic articles in a long time will soon be published in the premier journal in social psychology.

Dec 31, 2014 · Martin Center Staff

Reform in 2015: our hopes for the new year

Dec 29, 2014 · Jane S. Shaw and Jenna A. Robinson

Are UNC centers politically biased?

Imagine that a UNC Center for Western Civilization (which, of course, does not exist) were to co-sponsor a conference with the Heritage Foundation.

Dec 17, 2014 · W. Lee Hansen

Wisconsin won’t admit it, but its new egalitarian policy leads to grading quotas

In July, I wrote about the pressure that University of Wisconsin officials have been exerting on the faculty for greater “equity” on campus.

Dec 12, 2014 · Jesse Saffron

Why the Pope Center has an internship program (hint: it’s not just for the cheap labor)

Nov 26, 2014 · Martin Center Staff

6 things we’re thankful for in higher education

It is Thanksgiving week, and six Pope Center staff members express thanks for some things that happened this year in higher education.

Nov 10, 2014 · George Leef

Leisure studies: an academic field based on a utopian mistake?

With most academic fields, we know what they are about. Political science teaches about political systems and their workings; philosophy about how people have thought on questions such as ethics; literature courses have students read and contemplate worthwhile books.

Oct 17, 2014 · Jesse Saffron