Georgia Unplugs the Bias Machine
People often ask me how, as an outspoken conservative professor at a large state university, I can get away with some of the things I say on social media and … Continue reading “Georgia Unplugs the Bias Machine”
Academic Freedom Doesn’t Mean Grandstanding
Earlier this summer, Harvard dean Lawrence Bobo wrote an essay for the Harvard Crimson that provoked a chorus of criticism, much of it justified. Reflecting on the post-October 7 turmoil … Continue reading “Academic Freedom Doesn’t Mean Grandstanding”
In Praise of Institutional Neutrality in Academia
If you are up on the latest trends in academia, you’ll know that “institutional neutrality” is in the news as more universities consider or adopt it. In my view, this … Continue reading “In Praise of Institutional Neutrality in Academia”
Divestment Isn’t Neutral
The UNC chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) doesn’t have a great track record on free speech and civil discourse. Its members have occupied university administrative buildings, attempted … Continue reading “Divestment Isn’t Neutral”
Viewpoint-Neutral Teaching Isn’t Enough
California’s higher-education system, beset by alarming acts of hate, intimidation, and bigotry on its campuses (e.g., anti-Israel and anti-Jewish protests), has launched a series of initiatives. Among them is an … Continue reading “Viewpoint-Neutral Teaching Isn’t Enough”
The Real World Confronts the Ivory Tower
For years, there has been an ever-widening gap between the values and behaviors of contemporary America (“the Real World”) and those on college campuses (“the Ivory Tower”). Since, ultimately, the … Continue reading “The Real World Confronts the Ivory Tower”
No, Vanderbilt Isn’t Governed By “Principled Neutrality”
Anyone concerned about industrial-scale political indoctrination on American college campuses was given reason for hope this past spring when, in the pages of The Chronicle of Higher Education, Vanderbilt University … Continue reading “No, Vanderbilt Isn’t Governed By “Principled Neutrality””
Do Law Schools Really Exist?
Law schools began as trade schools, training future lawyers to sell legal services as licensed providers. Modern law schools, however, have increasingly adopted the routines of political institutions. Even at … Continue reading “Do Law Schools Really Exist?”
Chapel Hill’s Latest DEI Push
In January 2023, UNC-Chapel Hill launched its “DEI Strategic Plan” for the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). The DEI Strategic Plan is an offshoot of Chief Diversity Officer Leah … Continue reading “Chapel Hill’s Latest DEI Push”
Reforms We’re Cheering For in 2023
Each January, the staff of the Martin Center share our higher-ed-reform dreams for the coming year. Will all of our wishes come true? Probably not. Nevertheless, we offer them here … Continue reading “Reforms We’re Cheering For in 2023”