Navigating Political Uncertainty in Higher Education: A Strategic Approach to Success
I recently had the opportunity to offer a keynote address related to building inclusive learning environments. During the session, I asked the audience to consider the reality that the state of our politics is making education super weird (that’s a technical term). The growing polarization in U.S. politics has profound implications for higher education, especially in how we approach teaching, learning, and the role we play as educators. The narrative of education as “neutral” no longer serves us. In truth, every decision we make in the classroom—whether about curriculum, assessment, or treatment of students—has political dimensions. We must challenge the misconception of neutrality and embrace the fact that the classroom is where we actively shape the future of our students, exposing them to diverse perspectives and critical thinking skills that prepare them for the complexities of the world. By contrast, when campuses are “neutral”, we inadvertently support the transition from a society that appreciates facts to a society that believes all opinions are valid regardless of facts. A transition that fuels the degradation of human capital rather than advances it. We must intentionally create spaces where students, faculty, and staff can engage with diverse perspectives, question the status quo within […]