Discussion (1L): The University in Crisis

Catalog description

During the past half century, American universities have evolved from being largely white, male. and Protestant to becoming much more diverse in many ways. However, some of the policies that have contributed to this progress are being abandoned or distorted. For example, the Supreme Court recently prohibited race-based affirmative action, a major vehicle for achieving racial and ethnic diversity. And diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, originally designed to counter discrimination based on individuals' identities, have sometimes exacerbated divisions among students with different identities. The university's missions of seeking truth and engaging in critical inquiry have been undermined at times by both conservative and progressive actors. Affective polarization has dramatically increased, and civil and critical discourse are in decline throughout society's institutions. Controversies about the war in Gaza have only exacerbated these problems. We will examine the nature and causes of these and related problems, and consider possible strategies and solutions for reducing polarization, improving discourse, and achieving genuine equality on campus. Among other things, we will consider disputes over admissions criteria (e.g., affirmative action and legacy admissions); the current state of discourse at American, universities; external and internal threats to academic freedom and freedom of expression; the benefits and costs of DEI programs; and the cultural and societal backgrounds in which these issues arise. Elements used in grading: Full attendance, reading of assigned materials, and active participation.