Recently, higher education has come under attack by people who disapprove of certain academic disciplines, courses, reading assignments, workshops, and discussions. Specifically, some prefer not to engage in topics involving race, gender, sexual orientation, religious practices, and more. Surprisingly, there are states in this country that have even moved to strike instruction along many of these lines.
Higher education professionals understand that a college education must be rigorous, inclusive, and challenging. It should stretch us in ways we never imagined, and provide us with the knowledge and tools we need to engage with an increasingly diverse world so that we are better able to contribute to, and lead in, a variety of circumstances.
Unfortunately, it seems that some leaders and lawmakers think educated individuals should never have to face topics that make them uncomfortable or study information about which they may disagree.
That is not education.
A well-earned degree is one in which students are challenged and have to grapple with information, subjects, or people that they may find frustrating, demanding, or contrary to their own understanding and experience. The goal of higher education is not to tell students what to think but to ensure they hone their skills in order to think critically. Each time students participate in a conversation, read course materials, or engage in a conversation outside of their comfort zone, they come away with a better understanding of others and an even greater knowledge of themselves.
To be exempted or shielded from courses and discussions because someone disagrees, disapproves of, or resents them is to be under-educated and ill-prepared for society. Objecting to and opting out of a class because someone doesn’t like the course description, or because it has assignments that involve histories, perspectives, and cultures different from their own, is not a sign of brilliance or courage, but a decision to dwell in mediocrity and ignorance.
For some, it is not enough to complain via social media or to the press about a class, training, subject or discussion of which they disapprove. In addition to refusing to engage, some civic leaders and legislators are working to make sure no one has the opportunity for intellectual growth through participation in these activities. These extremists fail to see that employers want individuals who understand both themselves and others, and possess a diverse set of learning experiences, because those employees are better prepared to contribute to workplace culture and increase productivity.
Now, perhaps more than ever, it is important that academic freedom is protected. Unfortunately, there are institutions that welcome the opportunity to discontinue challenging conversations and coursework. Doing so not only short-changes their students, it fails them.●
