Author Profile

Mark Mercer

Mark Mercer teaches philosophy in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His main areas of interest are philosophy of mind and the theory of knowledge. Currently on sabbatical, he is working on a book about the nature and value of liberal study. In 2015, Dr Mercer was elected president of the Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship, a national organization that promotes academic values in Canadian universities. His personal website is at http://professormarkmercer.ca/

Articles by Mark Mercer

Why Universities Should Not Be Anti-Racist

Feb 24, 2021 · Mark Mercer · Comments Off

During the last year, many universities throughout North America have declared “anti-racism” to be their official policy. Consider this sample of quotations. “We must ask how Princeton can address systemic racism in the world, and we must also ask how to address it within our own community.” —Christopher L. Eisgruber, president, Princeton University. “The University … Continue reading “Why Universities Should Not Be Anti-Racist”

A Conversation with UNC-Chapel Hill’s New Provost, Chris Clemens May 16, 2022
Late last year, UNC-Chapel Hill’s chancellor, Kevin Guskiewicz, announced the appointment of the university’s new executive vice chancellor and provost, Christopher “Chris” Clemens. Clemens, who officially began his new role on February 1, has had a long career at UNC, having first joined the Department of Physics and Astronomy as an astrophysicist in 1998. He’s … Continue reading “A Conversation with UNC-Chapel Hill’s New Provost, Chris Clemens”
Did You Know? Classes of 2020 and 2021 Get Make-Up Commencement Ceremonies May 12, 2022
For students who graduated in spring 2020, it’s safe to say that the semester ended on a disappointing note. After four, five, or more years of working toward degrees, graduates didn’t have the opportunity to walk across the stage or celebrate with their peers. Although campuses tried to make the best of the situation, virtual … Continue reading “Did You Know? Classes of 2020 and 2021 Get Make-Up Commencement Ceremonies”
Rescuing “Virtue and Talents” Amidst the War on Tests May 4, 2022
On March 28, 2022, Stuart Schmill, Dean of Admissions and Student Financial Services at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) announced the school’s plan to restore the consideration of standardized tests to its undergraduate admissions process. A heavyweight bucks against the self-destructive path of attacking merit and standards. Will more follow suit? Or, is MIT’s … Continue reading “Rescuing “Virtue and Talents” Amidst the War on Tests”

Who’s Afraid of a Little Data? May 13, 2022
We’ve heard a lot, in recent years, about a free speech crisis on our college campuses. There are stories of speakers being shouted down and of students being afraid to voice their opinions, for fear of ostracism by their peers or retaliation from faculty and staff. Some have dismissed this talk as politically inspired rhetoric, … Continue reading “Who’s Afraid of a Little Data?”
Bending the Knee for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity May 11, 2022
Since the early 1960s, universities have sought to achieve racial equality. Initiatives have ranged from offering extra tutoring for struggling minority students to making them more comfortable on campus by providing segregated housing and black-only graduation ceremonies. Unfortunately, nothing has worked. Now, after over a half century of trying everything imaginable and sparing no expense, … Continue reading “Bending the Knee for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity”
Diary of a Mad Emerita May 9, 2022
During the years I taught college English, I had a ringside seat watching a new breed of Jacobins seize control of a university English department, then extend their reach throughout the humanities. Posing as the champions of “social justice,” they have built an empire cultivating “victims”—and silencing colleagues who oppose the new mission of the … Continue reading “Diary of a Mad Emerita”

A Conversation with UNC-Chapel Hill’s New Provost, Chris Clemens May 16, 2022
Late last year, UNC-Chapel Hill’s chancellor, Kevin Guskiewicz, announced the appointment of the university’s new executive vice chancellor and provost, Christopher “Chris” Clemens. Clemens, who officially began his new role on February 1, has had a long career at UNC, having first joined the Department of Physics and Astronomy as an astrophysicist in 1998. He’s … Continue reading “A Conversation with UNC-Chapel Hill’s New Provost, Chris Clemens”
Letter to the Editor: The Diversity bureaucracy will always be “successful,” despite failures May 15, 2022
To the editor: Prof. Weissberg seems a bit baffled by the Loyalty Oaths required by the New Red Guard. He asks, “Is there anything that suggests that this latest effort will finally be successful?” Silly wabbit. Lucky for him he’s retired, otherwise I’m afraid he’d be compelled to public confessions followed by some sort of … Continue reading “Letter to the Editor: The Diversity bureaucracy will always be “successful,” despite failures”
Who’s Afraid of a Little Data? May 13, 2022
We’ve heard a lot, in recent years, about a free speech crisis on our college campuses. There are stories of speakers being shouted down and of students being afraid to voice their opinions, for fear of ostracism by their peers or retaliation from faculty and staff. Some have dismissed this talk as politically inspired rhetoric, … Continue reading “Who’s Afraid of a Little Data?”