Author Profile

Geoffrey Vaughan

Geoffrey M. Vaughan teaches political science at Assumption University. He is the editor of Leo Strauss and His Catholic Readers (CUA Press, 2018) and has published with First Things, National Review, and The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Articles by Geoffrey Vaughan

Sensitivity by Proxy

Jul 14, 2021 · Geoffrey Vaughan · Comments Off

It is hard to fathom the extent to which American colleges and universities have been taken over by Critical Theory, race-based or not. One good indication is that French and Canadian leaders are warning their citizens about the dangers of importing these ideas from the U.S. In an October speech about the dangers of further … Continue reading “Sensitivity by Proxy”

Shouts and Protests on Campus Are Signs of a More Pernicious Problem

Jun 23, 2017 · Geoffrey Vaughan · Comments Off

Vice President Mike Pence spoke to the graduating class of Notre Dame, drawing attention to the loss of free speech on American campuses. He denounced the “noxious wave that seems to be rushing over much of academia.” The problem is that this wave is coming from within academia, not “rushing over” it as if from … Continue reading “Shouts and Protests on Campus Are Signs of a More Pernicious Problem”

In Defense of Academic Publishing

May 24, 2009 · Geoffrey Vaughan · Comments Off

A political scientist argues that liberal arts faculty should be role models, and that means conducting research.

Are Summer Reading Assignments Indoctrinating Freshmen? Dec 6, 2021
Often, incoming freshmen receive their first university assignment before the school year even begins: the summer reading. Many institutions see the summer reading assignment as an opportunity for new students to develop a sense of camaraderie. By reading the same book, the idea is that students will engage in thought-provoking conversations and have a shared … Continue reading “Are Summer Reading Assignments Indoctrinating Freshmen?”
Did You Know? NC Voters Reject Discrimination and Special Preferences Dec 2, 2021
Discrimination is unpopular with voters. That’s good news. Last month, the John Locke Foundation released new polling data revealing that North Carolina voters would support an amendment to ban discrimination or special treatment in public education, hiring, and contracting. Nearly 70 percent of likely North Carolina voters said they would support an amendment “to prohibit … Continue reading “Did You Know? NC Voters Reject Discrimination and Special Preferences”
Woke Universities are Rousseau’s Children Dec 1, 2021
In early October, Bright Sheng, a professor of music at the University of Michigan, played the 1965 rendition of Shakespeare’s Othello for his undergraduate class. The film starred Laurence Olivier, who was wearing black makeup, as the titular character. Having no concern for context or artistry, the university community revolted, deeming the film (and Sheng … Continue reading “Woke Universities are Rousseau’s Children”

What Should We Teach in Journalism Schools? Dec 8, 2021
There’s something rotten in American journalism schools. From a tendency toward bias to outright activism, journalism in higher education is not what it should be: a place to guide young writers through a liberal education that teaches them how to think, report, and write clearly. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s attempted hiring … Continue reading “What Should We Teach in Journalism Schools? “
Are Summer Reading Assignments Indoctrinating Freshmen? Dec 6, 2021
Often, incoming freshmen receive their first university assignment before the school year even begins: the summer reading. Many institutions see the summer reading assignment as an opportunity for new students to develop a sense of camaraderie. By reading the same book, the idea is that students will engage in thought-provoking conversations and have a shared … Continue reading “Are Summer Reading Assignments Indoctrinating Freshmen?”
Are College Exit Exams a Valid Measure of Learning? It’s Complicated Dec 3, 2021
Given the enormity of the public and private investment in US higher education, of course we should evaluate its effectiveness. But, how? It is claimed that over 200 higher education institutions administer the one-size-fits-all Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA). When administered pre-post—that is, near the beginning and then again near the end of a student’s program—the … Continue reading “Are College Exit Exams a Valid Measure of Learning? It’s Complicated”