The Supreme Court’s decision on the two college admission cases in June 2023 has left the 3,400+ colleges and universities in the country (both private and public institutions of higher education) rushing to review and revise their admission practices. By declaring the admission policies of Harvard University and the University of South Carolina had violated the Equal Protection Clauses of the 14th Amendment, the ruling essentially ended decades of race-conscious admission practice (which was permissible under Affirmative Action policy) in colleges and universities across the country.
What role can faculty play in changing the national conversation about campus dialogue?
That’s actually two questions in one.First, what national conversation –- or conversations — are we talking about?Second, what role -– or roles — can faculty play?I’ll take these questions one at a time.But first let me tell you where I’m coming from.
No, I’m not indulging in today’s identity politics.I’m not positioning myself by race or sex or gender identity or religion or sexual orientation?But I am going to play the age card.At 89, that’s one of the few cards I’ve got left.And it’s relevant to today’s discussion because age rhymes with experience, and three aspects of my personal journey inform what I’m going to say.
