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Author Profile

Alexander Riley

Alexander Riley is a Professor of Sociology at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania. All views expressed are his and do not represent the views of his employer.

Articles by Alexander Riley


Social-Justice Restrictions on Research Harm All of Us

Feb 1, 2023 · Alexander Riley · Comments Off on Social-Justice Restrictions on Research Harm All of Us

Recently, one of the departments on my campus invited an academic “expert,” who, among other specializations, “advise[s] on the ethical aspects of telescope siting,” to give a talk entitled “How … Continue reading “Social-Justice Restrictions on Research Harm All of Us”


Colleges Helped Cause the Enrollment Crash

Dec 7, 2022 · Alexander Riley · Comments Off on Colleges Helped Cause the Enrollment Crash

There is considerable talk these days about the enrollment crash in higher education, especially in liberal-arts education. The Chronicle of Higher Education has been expressing worry about this crisis for … Continue reading “Colleges Helped Cause the Enrollment Crash”


The DIE Revolution Will Transform Tenure

Aug 5, 2022 · Alexander Riley · Comments Off on The DIE Revolution Will Transform Tenure

There is much discussion in academia at present about the future of tenure. Critics of this protection from political or moral pressure against freedom of inquiry include both left-progressives, who … Continue reading “The DIE Revolution Will Transform Tenure”


The Origins of the Cruel Ritual of Diversity Training

May 5, 2021 · Alexander Riley · Comments Off on The Origins of the Cruel Ritual of Diversity Training

Diversity training is now in force at many institutions of higher education. In the typical scenario, students, staff, and faculty submit themselves to the mercies of hectoring lectures and demeaning … Continue reading “The Origins of the Cruel Ritual of Diversity Training”


The BlackLivesMattering of Higher Ed: Some Notes from the Field

Oct 16, 2020 · Alexander Riley · Comments Off on The BlackLivesMattering of Higher Ed: Some Notes from the Field

When the University of Chicago English Department announced over the summer that, in response to the protests after the death of George Floyd, they would only admit graduate students willing … Continue reading “The BlackLivesMattering of Higher Ed: Some Notes from the Field”

More in Academics

  • How a Private College Mandated Civics Instruction Mar 22, 2023

    In the fall of 2020, Cairn University in southeastern Pennsylvania implemented a revised core curriculum that introduced, among other things, a new required course in civics and government. Reactions to … Continue reading “How a Private College Mandated Civics Instruction”

  • The Media Take On the UNC Board Mar 20, 2023

    When news broke that UNC-Chapel Hill had plans to create a new School of Civic Life and Leadership, it was inevitable that there would be some confusion. But nearly two … Continue reading “The Media Take On the UNC Board”

  • ROTC and the Ivies Mar 17, 2023

    Ivy League universities have a distinguished history of their students serving the country in the armed forces. Yale can claim Captain Nathan Hale, class of 1773, executed by the British … Continue reading “ROTC and the Ivies”

More in Commentary

  • North Carolina Strikes a Blow Against Credentialism Mar 23, 2023

    Last week, following an executive order by Gov. Roy Cooper, North Carolina joined a growing movement to pull down unnecessary barriers to public employment. Bearing the modest title “Recognizing the … Continue reading “North Carolina Strikes a Blow Against Credentialism”

  • The Media Take On the UNC Board Mar 20, 2023

    When news broke that UNC-Chapel Hill had plans to create a new School of Civic Life and Leadership, it was inevitable that there would be some confusion. But nearly two … Continue reading “The Media Take On the UNC Board”

  • ROTC and the Ivies Mar 17, 2023

    Ivy League universities have a distinguished history of their students serving the country in the armed forces. Yale can claim Captain Nathan Hale, class of 1773, executed by the British … Continue reading “ROTC and the Ivies”

More in Politicization

  • How a Private College Mandated Civics Instruction Mar 22, 2023

    In the fall of 2020, Cairn University in southeastern Pennsylvania implemented a revised core curriculum that introduced, among other things, a new required course in civics and government. Reactions to … Continue reading “How a Private College Mandated Civics Instruction”

  • The Media Take On the UNC Board Mar 20, 2023

    When news broke that UNC-Chapel Hill had plans to create a new School of Civic Life and Leadership, it was inevitable that there would be some confusion. But nearly two … Continue reading “The Media Take On the UNC Board”

  • ROTC and the Ivies Mar 17, 2023

    Ivy League universities have a distinguished history of their students serving the country in the armed forces. Yale can claim Captain Nathan Hale, class of 1773, executed by the British … Continue reading “ROTC and the Ivies”

Popular Articles

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Recent Articles

  • North Carolina Strikes a Blow Against Credentialism Mar 23, 2023

    Last week, following an executive order by Gov. Roy Cooper, North Carolina joined a growing movement to pull down unnecessary barriers to public employment. Bearing the modest title “Recognizing the … Continue reading “North Carolina Strikes a Blow Against Credentialism”

  • How a Private College Mandated Civics Instruction Mar 22, 2023

    In the fall of 2020, Cairn University in southeastern Pennsylvania implemented a revised core curriculum that introduced, among other things, a new required course in civics and government. Reactions to … Continue reading “How a Private College Mandated Civics Instruction”

  • The Media Take On the UNC Board Mar 20, 2023

    When news broke that UNC-Chapel Hill had plans to create a new School of Civic Life and Leadership, it was inevitable that there would be some confusion. But nearly two … Continue reading “The Media Take On the UNC Board”

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