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 the confines of our hallowed halls (lest they do so in public at the risk of your reputation), and learn to critically examine the world around them. If we continue down the imaginary path of neutrality, we will accidentally create a void of critical thinking and embolden those who seem to exist solely to stoke the flames of dissension that, while disheartening, continue to be both irresponsible and very profitable.
Additionally, we must educate ourselves about the political and social forces shaping higher education. Understanding how government policies, political agendas, and social movements impact our entire campus can help us navigate these challenges and advocate for our collective needs. We must be vocal in defending academic freedom and we must know what academic freedom means. It means the freedom to teach and conduct research within our existing area of expertise, not the ability to say whatever we want whenever we want because we are professors. It also means a student’s ability (yes, students also have academic freedom) to engage in the academic pursuit of knowledge for knowledge’s sake. We can also feel empowered to defend diversity, equity, and inclusion in the face of opposition. And I don’t mean the words diversity, equity, and inclusion; I mean the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Because these values create opportunities for our current and future workforce to thrive in meaningful ways while also upholding the spirit and letter of the First Amendment.
Defending your values in the face of opposition may feel like a wish rather than a reality, but there are practical approaches that can help institutions begin the process of integrating values within a culture rather relying on a separate entity that is responsible for maintaining them:
- Clarifying Inclusive Values and their Impact
- Launch an educational campaign. Understanding the underlying values of inclusive practices —beyond just the buzzwords—is essential. This means grasping how inclusivity fosters a more innovative and empathetic environment, one that prepares students for a globalized workforce. Share research and real-life examples widely that show how diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes in research, problem-solving, and societal growth.
- Connect inclusive practices to academic freedom. Frame diversity as integral to academic freedom, ensuring all perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences are represented and respected in academic discussions and research. This reinforces that inclusivity is a vital part of academic integrity.
- Clarify Misconceptions
- Address misinformation directly. Many times, opposition stems from misunderstandings about what DEI actually entails. Address myths and misconceptions by providing clear, fact-based information. For example, explain how DEI does not mean favoring one group over another, but rather ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.
- Use clear definitions. When defending your values, be clear about their meanings. For instance, diversity means the representation of different identities, equity focuses on fairness, and inclusion ensures that everyone has a voice and a place in academic and social spaces.
- Protect and Promote Academic Freedom
- Defend the core principles of academic freedom. Remind all stakeholders that academic freedom is not just the freedom to express individual opinions without consequences, but the freedom to engage in research, teaching, and discourse that advances knowledge. In defending your values, emphasize that academic freedom allows for the exploration of diverse perspectives and supports inclusive pedagogy.
- Advocate for policies that protect inclusive practices and academic freedom. Work to ensure that policies at the institutional and governmental levels do not undermine inclusive principles. As one example, this could mean advocating for policies that support merit-based hiring practices with the understanding that diversity and merit are not mutually exclusive. These policies should also consider inclusion in curricula and the importance of creating a safe space for learning and teaching.
- Confront Hate Speech with Counter-Speech and Education
- Engage in counter-speech. When confronted with hate speech that is protected under the First Amendment, the most effective way to respond is through counter-speech. Rather than censoring harmful views, respond with reasoned arguments, facts, and perspectives that challenge the hateful rhetoric. This helps to demonstrate that while individuals have the right to express their views, others also have the right to counter those views with more inclusive, respectful alternatives.
- Ensure institutional accountability. Even though hate speech may be protected as free speech, institutions can still set guidelines to address how hate speech disrupts the learning environment. Advocate for policies that allow for constructive responses to hate speech, such as offering support to those affected and ensuring the overall environment remains respectful, safe, and conducive to learning.
- Model Inclusivity in Individual Actions
- Be a role model. Lead by example. As a professor or administrator, demonstrate inclusivity in your classroom or department by integrating diverse viewpoints into your teaching/approaches and treating all students with respect and dignity. Make sure students see you as a champion of diverse perspectives and academic freedom.
- Mentor others. Support and mentor students and colleagues from backgrounds that are different from your own. This creates an environment where diversity is celebrated and is not just the responsibility or opportunity for those from more privileged backgrounds. By actively engaging with individuals from various backgrounds, you demonstrate the practical benefits of inclusivity and have real opportunities for influence beyond your immediate reach.
The unfortunate reality is that political neutrality in education is, at best, a goal and at worst, willfully deceptive. In this moment, when politics and societal forces are increasingly influencing our work, we must stand firm in our commitment to inclusivity, to critical thinking, and to the values that make education a transformative force in the world.
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Additional resources for further understanding of free speech and academic freedom are listed below:
