What Policies Are Conservatives Actually For in Higher Education?

Apr 7, 2021 · · Comments Off on What Policies Are Conservatives Actually For in Higher Education?

It’s no secret that higher ed reformers have struggled to offer a compelling alternative to free college and loan forgiveness offered from the left. This failure is partially because conservatives and libertarians are usually on the defensive about higher ed policy. In response to that problem, the American Enterprise Institute organized a panel discussion titled … Continue reading “What Policies Are Conservatives Actually For in Higher Education?”

Campus Cancel Culture–Pernicious and Widespread

Mar 26, 2021 · · Comments Off on Campus Cancel Culture–Pernicious and Widespread

“I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” While Voltaire apparently did not say exactly that (the phrase seems to have come from a biographer), it is still a perfect description of the mindset of a rational human. Of course people will disagree, but … Continue reading “Campus Cancel Culture–Pernicious and Widespread”

Silenced by the Sheep: Academia’s New Censorship

Mar 17, 2021 · · Comments Off on Silenced by the Sheep: Academia’s New Censorship

The nation’s cultural elites have been gripped by an intense wave of moral panic since the January 6 riot at the United States Capitol. That panic has found expression in higher education in renewed efforts to curtail the speech rights and academic freedoms of the already near-extinct members of the campus community who dissent against … Continue reading “Silenced by the Sheep: Academia’s New Censorship”

Did You Know? Survey Paints Grim Picture of Academia, But Signs of Hope

Mar 11, 2021 · · Comments Off on Did You Know? Survey Paints Grim Picture of Academia, But Signs of Hope

Free speech in higher ed is threatened, and leaders in our academic institutions won’t save it. “Unless reforms come from outside the academy,” writes Eric Kaufmann in The Wall Street Journal, “universities will continue to be monocultures in which conservative ideas aren’t given a fair hearing.” The article, a summary of his recently published CSPI report, “Academic Freedom … Continue reading “Did You Know? Survey Paints Grim Picture of Academia, But Signs of Hope”

Why Universities Should Not Be Anti-Racist

Feb 24, 2021 · · Comments Off on Why Universities Should Not Be Anti-Racist

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”

What’s in a Syllabus? The Keys to Undoing Academic Freedom, If We’re Not Careful  

Feb 3, 2021 · · Comments Off on What’s in a Syllabus? The Keys to Undoing Academic Freedom, If We’re Not Careful  

The syllabus is such a basic document that most of us tend not to think much about what goes into making one. What are its necessary ingredients? A listing of the required study and reading materials, obviously. Dates of important milestones, like term papers and exams, as well. Lecture schedules, weekly assignments, and a rubric … Continue reading “What’s in a Syllabus? The Keys to Undoing Academic Freedom, If We’re Not Careful  “

The Campaign to Stamp Out Academic Heresy

Jan 27, 2021 · · Comments Off on The Campaign to Stamp Out Academic Heresy

Back in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, church officials felt it necessary to scrutinize every book or pamphlet for the slightest hint of heresy. If the work deviated from doctrine, it would be banned, burned, and the author could be punished. The Enlightenment brought a change in attitude toward freedom of speech. In Britain, … Continue reading “The Campaign to Stamp Out Academic Heresy”

Free Speech and Liberal Education: A Plea for Intellectual Diversity and Tolerance

Jan 14, 2021 · · Comments Off on Free Speech and Liberal Education: A Plea for Intellectual Diversity and Tolerance

Dr. Donald Downs, Alexander Meiklejohn Professor of Political Science Emeritus and affiliate professor of law and journalism emeritus at the University of Wisconsin‐​Madison, will discuss his latest book, Free Speech and Liberal Education: A Plea for Intellectual Diversity and Tolerance, on January 14 from 12PM – 1:30PM. Register for the Zoom webinar here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C2LCdHJeTSKoqsPpL6zpIA Dr. … Continue reading “Free Speech and Liberal Education: A Plea for Intellectual Diversity and Tolerance”

The Ways in Which Colleges Legally Silence Troublesome Scholars

Jan 6, 2021 · · Comments Off on The Ways in Which Colleges Legally Silence Troublesome Scholars

Radicals on campus do more than just “cancel” speakers. Failure by administrators to stand firm alters the atmosphere at colleges as well as, eventually, our system of government. The most profound consequences may come less from ideological zealots than from our own cowardice to oppose them. Some colleges now respond to ideological intimidation not by … Continue reading “The Ways in Which Colleges Legally Silence Troublesome Scholars”

‘Wokeness’ Infiltrates College Music Departments

Nov 23, 2020 · · Comments Off on ‘Wokeness’ Infiltrates College Music Departments

Inevitably, college music departments have succumbed to pressure to promote “social justice” and fight racism. It’s hard to see much injustice or racism in music, but that doesn’t matter to activists intent on showing that they’re in the vanguard of America’s transformation. Consider, for example, the announcement back in September by the music department at … Continue reading “‘Wokeness’ Infiltrates College Music Departments”