All articles tagged with #campus culture
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, known for opposing campus political correctness, is now defending universities and pro-Palestinian students against Trump-era policies, leading to internal and external criticism and a shift in its traditional stance on free speech issues.
Santa Ono's bid to become president of the University of Florida was rejected by state officials due to concerns over his leadership at Michigan and his stance on diversity and inclusion, highlighting the increasing politicization of higher education in the U.S.
A recent poll conducted by the University of Maryland and George Washington University found that a majority of U.S.-based scholars who research and teach about the Middle East feel the need to self-censor when speaking about the region, particularly on Israeli-Palestinian issues. The poll revealed that concerns about campus culture, pressure from external advocacy groups, potential discipline from academic administrators, and the impact on institutional fundraising were among the reasons for self-censorship. The study highlights the fear rather than sensitivity as the main motivation behind self-censorship, with scholars worried about the consequences of expressing their views.
Over 1,600 Jewish alumni of Harvard University are threatening to withhold donations until the school takes action to address antisemitism on campus. The alumni, including high-profile figures like Bill Ackman and Leslie Wexner, are part of the newly formed Harvard College Jewish Alumni Association (HCJAA). They are calling for Harvard to recognize their association, ensure the protection of Jewish students, and adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. The alumni's movement is growing, with similar campaigns starting at other universities. Philanthropy is a significant source of revenue for Harvard, accounting for 45% of its income last year.
Choosing a college has become more complex as students now consider factors such as bans on diversity initiatives, critical race theory, and state laws affecting voting and LGBTQ rights. USA TODAY and The Hechinger Report have created the College Welcome Guide, which provides information on state laws and institutional policies that impact students. The guide also includes data on racial and gender diversity, hate crimes, free speech rankings, and support for students from rural areas. Students are increasingly ruling out colleges based on the political climate in certain states, with liberal students avoiding Republican-leaning states and conservative students avoiding Democrat-leaning states. The culture wars have led to students feeling unwelcome, uncomfortable sharing their views, and questioning their sense of belonging on campus. The impact of these trends on college enrollment is yet to be fully understood, but early surveys suggest that they are having a significant effect.