A Former Professor’s Disenchantment with Higher Education

In recent years, America’s colleges have become battlegrounds in the culture wars. Surprisingly, some of the most vocal critics of higher education are those who once wholeheartedly embraced its mission. Many have altered their perspectives after experiencing academia firsthand.

Megan McArdle hosts a discussion with Tyler Austin Harper, an Atlantic staff writer and former Bates College professor. Harper discusses how his experiences in academia modified his views on affirmative action and diversity. He explains his perception of some inclusive efforts as tokenism.

The conversation delves into various aspects of academic life. Topics include race and class issues, ideological conformity, the decline of tenured positions, and the challenges faced by adjunct faculty. Harper outlines the gap between universities’ public stances on social justice and their underlying economic motivations.