In 1987, philosopher Allan Bloom published The Closing of the American Mind, a book critiquing higher education in America. As a self-described teacher “dedicated to liberal education,” Bloom offered a … Continue reading “The Reopening of the American Mind”
Today’s assault on intellectual excellence in the academy will eventually end. Hopefully, an investigation will then commence on its causes, and all the usual suspects will be rounded up. This … Continue reading “How the Best of Intentions Created Today’s Academic Disasters”
To what extent can a selective educational institution advantage certain racial groups in admissions decisions without discriminating against other groups simultaneously? How can said institutions balance external demands for fairness … Continue reading “Self-Identified “Compelling Interests” are Not a License to Discriminate”
The Supreme Court may ban affirmative action, but even if it does, many race, sex, and ideology-conscious “diversity” policies and programs will still remain on college campuses. Regardless of the … Continue reading “States Must Go Beyond Affirmative Action Bans to Stop Discriminatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on College Campuses”
Holden Thorp is a very clever fellow. With a PhD in chemistry from Caltech and after some business ventures and a spell teaching at the University of North Carolina at … Continue reading “Science Needs Honesty, Not Affirmative Action”
In 2014, Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) filed suit against the University of North Carolina. Its complaint argued that the university had engaged in intentional discrimination on the basis of … Continue reading “Judge Rules for UNC in Admissions Case”
Editor’s note: This essay is based on a talk given by Gail Heriot on October 29, 2021, for the Martin Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ladies and gentlemen, if you’re … Continue reading “How Short-term Thinking on Race Has Caused Long-term Problems in Higher Education”
We take it for granted that people are free to use their abilities as they choose, and as a result, society as a whole benefits from their work and innovations. … Continue reading “Universities and Meritocracy”
Currently, nine states prohibit colleges and universities from practicing race-conscious admissions. That number may soon become ten if a new bill in the North Carolina legislature is successfully adopted. Public … Continue reading ““We Cannot Fight Fire with Fire”: Efforts to Ban Race-Based College Admissions”
A new book defending affirmative action fails on many levels.