The hottest Higher education Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Education Topics

Crumbling DIEvory Towers

Postcards From Barsoom • 6999 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🚌 Education Higher education Academic standards Systemic Issues
  1. Many colleges, like Whittier College, are struggling with issues like low enrollment and poor management. This is leading to unhappy students and worried alumni.
  2. At some prestigious universities, standards are declining because of changes to grading and admission policies. More focus is being put on participation and homework rather than exams.
  3. The increasing role of administrators in universities is changing the focus of education. Important academic traditions are being lost as the emphasis shifts toward managing feelings rather than fostering intellectual growth.

The New Normal

russ880 • 1016 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🚌 Education Higher education Student life
  1. Many students in Israel are missing school due to military service obligations, especially during times of conflict. This makes starting the academic year very challenging.
  2. Despite the ongoing war and personal losses, students still find value in their education. They appreciate having a safe place to learn and grow during difficult times.
  3. Life in Israel during wartime is a mix of joy and sorrow. People celebrate moments like weddings while also mourning losses, showing resilience amid challenges.

Academia is Women’s Work

Postcards From Barsoom • 15604 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🚌 Education Higher education Gender Studies Social Psychology Workforce Trends
  1. More women are enrolling in college than men, and this trend is changing how we view various professions. When too many women join a field, men tend to leave, as they see it as less competitive and valuable.
  2. Academia is becoming feminized, which could lead to a decline in its status and quality. As more women join, some believe that the competitive drive that often leads to higher performance in academia may be fading.
  3. Lower male participation in colleges can hurt the university's reputation and funding. If schools are seen as feminine spaces, they might struggle to attract male students and the resources that come with them.

What Did We Expect Would Happen?

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2365 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Science Public Policy Partisanship Higher education
  1. Over the years, science has become very political in the U.S., with both major parties using it to gain power. This shift means scientists and universities are often seen as part of the political fight instead of neutral sources of knowledge.
  2. Democrats have begun to support science more because it helps their wealthy, educated voters, while Republicans have moved away from it, positioning it as elitist. This division creates a big gap in how each side views scientific authority.
  3. Many scientists have chosen sides in these political battles, which hurts the public's trust in science. The original idea that science benefits everyone, regardless of their political views, has been largely forgotten.

Friday brief: Course cuts considered by under pressure university

NN Journal • 139 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. The University of Northampton is considering cutting some courses due to financial issues. This may include merging or dropping certain subjects to stabilize their finances.
  2. Students are worried about how these changes might impact their education and the quality of teaching. Some are actively petitioning to save specific courses that they feel are being undervalued.
  3. Local MPs are concerned about the university's financial stability and have called for better funding for higher education. They emphasize that the university is important for the local economy and workforce.
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Exclusive: Trump Administration Launches Probe Into Yale’s Use of Hacked EJMR Data

Karlstack • 274 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Policy Higher education Cybersecurity Data Privacy Social justice
  1. Yale University is under investigation for using data obtained through hacking an economics forum. This raises questions about the legality of their actions.
  2. The hackers from Yale believe their actions were justified in the name of social justice, arguing that they were revealing sexism and racism in the economics field.
  3. The situation highlights serious issues around digital privacy and academic integrity, especially as universities may face legal consequences for such actions.

Kristi Noem vs. Harvard: What Their Language Reveals.

Breaking the News • 2616 implied HN points • 26 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Discourse Government Policy Judiciary Higher education Freedom of Speech
  1. Kristi Noem sent a harsh letter to Harvard, canceling its international student visas and making extreme demands. This showed a rude and controlling attitude.
  2. Harvard responded with a detailed legal complaint that emphasized its rights and academic independence. Their defense highlighted that the government's actions were unfair and retaliatory.
  3. A judge quickly ruled in favor of Harvard, granting a temporary order to protect the university from Noem's demands. This showed the importance of following lawful processes in governance.

Taking a New Direction

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🚌 Education Higher education AI Technology Software Development Teaching Methods Digital learning
  1. The focus is shifting towards developing an AI-assisted seminar, which aims to improve higher education through new technology. This will involve creating a learning environment where students can interact with AI characters instead of traditional lectures.
  2. The project is driven by concerns that current universities are not equipped to innovate or improve their practices, especially after past mistakes. The hope is that AI can help create a better educational model without the need to build completely new institutions.
  3. The developer is learning about modern software development and working step-by-step with a software partner to create a functional product. They plan to share progress updates and insights from this journey, showcasing both the potential of AI and the seminar format.

Why College Students Can't Read Books

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1119 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🚌 Education Literacy Curriculum Teaching Methods Higher education
  1. Many college freshmen have never read a whole book, which surprises their professors. This shows a gap in reading experience among students entering college.
  2. Curricula like Common Core focus more on articles and excerpts rather than full books. This might not prepare students well for the demands of college reading.
  3. There is a lot of discussion about why this is happening, but Common Core isn't often mentioned as a reason. It suggests that the structure of education could be contributing to the problem.

Taking Institutional Neutrality Seriously on Campus

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1050 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education Political Neutrality Academic Freedom Public Policy Political Advocacy
  1. Neutrality in universities sounds good but is hard to achieve in reality. It can lead to messy situations where it's unclear what position is acceptable or not.
  2. Some universities have shifted towards being more politically active, which can hurt their public support. People want universities to serve all views, not just those of a few.
  3. The way universities handle controversial topics needs strong leadership. It’s important for leaders to find a balance between being neutral and supporting necessary public health or social issues.

Universities are falling short again

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 150 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Higher education Health Policy Government funding Social Issues
  1. Universities didn't hold important debates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics like school closures and mask mandates were never discussed, leading to a loss of trust from the public.
  2. There's a call for universities to address issues around NIH funding reform. Instead of promoting fear about funding cuts, they should engage in constructive discussions to improve the system.
  3. The general public feels disconnected from universities, especially regarding how taxpayer money is spent. Universities need to listen to these concerns and actively involve diverse opinions to regain public support.

US Political Polarization : What Role Does Cornell & The Ivies Play ?

Heterodox STEM • 277 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political polarization Higher education Civil Rights American history Civic Responsibility
  1. Universities used to focus on sharing and building upon the history and achievements of civilization, but many feel that focus is fading.
  2. Instead of respecting and learning from the past, some elite universities are now critiquing and diminishing their own historical significance.
  3. This shift in perspective could be harmful to national unity as it creates division and dissatisfaction with the foundational values of society.

Smiley’s People

Heterodox STEM • 320 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Political Climate Social justice Higher education
  1. In Canada, many professionals feel they can't speak freely because of fear of losing their jobs for holding unpopular opinions. This is harming free speech in the workplace.
  2. Merit should be the most important factor when choosing people for jobs, but many institutions are prioritizing things like race and gender instead. This shift can hurt quality and excellence.
  3. There’s a concern that political correctness is influencing professions like medicine and education. People worry that real discussions may be stifled, leading to poor decision-making.

PhD students in biology are cheap, exploited labor & sold a false promise

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 82 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. PhD students in biology often face long, uncertain timelines for completing their degrees, which can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety.
  2. The pay for these students is very low, making it feel like they are doing tough work for little reward, often working long hours without fair compensation.
  3. Many people who get biology PhDs end up in jobs outside of academia, and the system is criticized for producing too many graduates with too few opportunities.

Anti-woke gadfly Steven Pinker suddenly pimping for Harvard

Heterodox STEM • 241 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Free speech Government Social Issues Higher education
  1. Steven Pinker wrote an article defending Harvard, surprising many of his supporters who see him as anti-woke. It highlights both the flaws and the achievements of the university.
  2. He argues that funding for STEM research, which comes from taxpayers, is crucial and indicates that Harvard's ways may need reform to secure more support.
  3. There is a call to action for scholars to join in reform efforts to change the current direction of higher education and ensure that funding continues.

College-for-All Means Homework-for-All

Five’s Substack • 1358 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🚌 Education Higher education Student life Work-life balance Time management Critical Thinking
  1. Many college students have a lot of work and study to do outside of class, making their schedule very busy. It's common for students to work part-time or even full-time jobs while studying.
  2. Homework is really important for truly understanding subjects in college. Doing the readings and assignments helps students think on their own and learn more effectively.
  3. It's vital to protect students' time for learning, not just to earn degrees. Education should be about more than just getting a job; it should allow for real thinking and personal growth.

The Changing Face of Antisemitism in the US

Heterodox STEM • 128 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antisemitism Civil Rights Political Extremism Higher education Terrorism
  1. Antisemitism in the US is changing, with a notable rise in left-wing and Islamist perspectives often aimed at Israel. Many incidents are now more closely linked to social justice movements rather than traditional right-wing extremism.
  2. The ADL's reports may overstate right-wing antisemitism while underreporting incidents from leftist or Islamist sources. This can distort public perception about who is actually perpetuating antisemitism today.
  3. Recent data suggests that a significant majority of antisemitic incidents are linked to leftist or Islamist narratives, especially related to Israel, challenging the belief that right-wing white supremacy is the main source of antisemitism.

NIH reduced indirects from 60+% to 15%: 10 things you should know

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 148 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Research Funding Higher education Academic Integrity
  1. The NIH has lowered the amount of money it gives to universities from over 60% to 15%. This means more money can go to actual researchers instead of administrative costs.
  2. This change will make universities operate differently, encouraging them to reduce unnecessary costs and possibly hold faculty more accountable for their behavior.
  3. Lowering these indirect costs could lead to more funding for research projects. Researchers might actually benefit from this change, as it could increase the number of grants available.

How to Get Rid of a Tenured Professor

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 4249 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academic Freedom Higher education Political Advocacy
  1. Universities are becoming more politicized, making it harder for professors to speak freely. Many faculty feel they can't express their opinions without fear of backlash or discipline.
  2. Tenured professors can face significant challenges, including administrative pressure and hostile work environments. This can happen despite their experience and achievements.
  3. Academic freedom is at risk when universities prioritize political agendas over teaching and research. When that's the case, it often leads to a lack of support for diverse viewpoints.

Universities Are Woefully Under-Resourced For AI Research. They’re Fighting To Change That.

Big Technology • 5129 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Research Higher education Public Policy Data science
  1. Universities are struggling to keep up with AI research due to a lack of resources like powerful GPUs and data centers. They can't compete with big tech companies who have millions of these resources.
  2. Most AI research breakthroughs are now coming from private industry, with universities lagging behind. This is causing talented researchers to prefer jobs in the private sector instead.
  3. Some universities are trying to address this issue by forming coalitions and advocating for government support to create shared AI research resources. This could help level the playing field and foster important academic advancements.

An Alternative University

David Friedman’s Substack • 287 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. The modern university system often struggles with being neutral on controversial issues while needing to take positions. A new model could focus more on individual choices and interests.
  2. A market-based education system would allow students to directly choose and pay for classes with teachers, which might lead to more diverse subjects being taught, based on what students want.
  3. Starting this new university model could be easier by partnering with existing institutions for degrees, and setting up near current universities could attract students and teachers looking for more affordable options.

How Universities Went Off Track

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2051 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Advocacy Public Trust Higher education Partisanship
  1. Many people are losing trust in universities, especially conservatives and working-class folks. The political views of university staff are mostly leaning left, making this trust fall even more.
  2. Changes in society are pushing universities to be more politically involved. They need to show how their research benefits society, which can lead to more advocacy instead of just education.
  3. There is pressure within universities to support certain political ideas, which can stifle open discussions. A lot of people feel they can’t speak up if they don’t share the same views as the majority.

Partisan Professors

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2129 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education Political Ideology Public Trust Political Advocacy
  1. Most university professors in the U.S. lean politically to the left, showing a big shift from past diversity in beliefs. This can limit students' exposure to different viewpoints.
  2. The lack of political diversity among faculty may lead to a bias in research and teaching, which is bad for education. It can also prevent new ideas from being discussed and evaluated.
  3. Many people believe universities have become too political, which affects public trust in these institutions. This growing gap between academia and the general public is concerning.

The Exquisite Irony of Claudine Gay's Downfall

Glenn Loury • 3630 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity Affirmative Action Race relations Higher education Leadership
  1. Defenders claim that ousting Claudine Gay was more about race and ideology than academic integrity, but it still doesn't excuse plagiarism.
  2. Being a university president may require more than being a noteworthy scholar; skills like administration and fundraising could take precedence.
  3. The debate on affirmative action and academic standards for black students is complex, with implications for diversity, standards, and systemic corruption.

Universities That Target Their Students’ Free Speech Should Have To Pay A Public Price For It

Singal-Minded • 935 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Higher education Legal issues Public Policy Social justice
  1. Universities sometimes punish students for their social media posts, claiming they are unprofessional. This can happen even if such posts might be protected by free speech laws.
  2. Kimberly Diei fought back after her university threatened to expel her over her social media posts and won a $250,000 settlement, showing that students can prevail against unfair treatment.
  3. Many universities act out of fear of offending others and worry more about public perception than protecting their students' rights. They often only do the right thing when it becomes too costly to do otherwise.

Fixing Universities

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1413 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🚌 Education Higher education Policy Analysis Public Trust Academic Freedom
  1. Universities need to focus more on their main jobs: teaching and research. It's important for them to prioritize these roles over sports and other activities.
  2. They should take institutional neutrality seriously, meaning universities shouldn't push political views. Instead, they should let students and faculty discuss and debate these issues freely.
  3. Expanding access to education for all kinds of students is crucial. Universities should aim to serve everyone in society and help improve American democracy.

My Number One Issue

In My Tribe • 1655 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🚌 Education Higher education Intellectualism Social Issues Cultural critique Critical Thinking
  1. Higher education is facing an anti-intellectual trend. Many students are taught to think simply about identity, rather than critically.
  2. The growth of colleges and universities has led to a decline in intellectual quality. More students don't necessarily mean better thinking; it can create mediocrity.
  3. There's a need for new educational institutions for young people. Current colleges may not be fixable, and we need alternatives to support thoughtful learning.

Affirmative Action Thoughts in an Inelegant List Format

Freddie deBoer • 12964 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Affirmative Action Higher education Social justice
  1. Race-conscious admissions in universities are okay under reparations for slavery, not just for diversity.
  2. The existing system discriminates against Asian applicants and elite colleges are a small part of higher education.
  3. Affirmative action deepens inequality within the Black community and the purpose of education has contradictory goals.

What If Liberals Have Agency?

Singal-Minded • 1184 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Liberalism Conservatism Cultural Issues Higher education
  1. Liberals often think they are just trying to make the world better, but they also have power and responsibility in how they run institutions. It's important for them to recognize their agency.
  2. The backlash against liberal policies often comes not just from conservative anger, but from real issues within liberal organizations. Ignoring these internal problems can lead to further dysfunction.
  3. In education, the push for diversity and political views can overshadow traditional values and fairness. This has led to growing public dissatisfaction with institutions like universities.

Selfishly Speaking, Who Should Skip College?

Bet On It • 488 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🚌 Education Higher education Career Paths Economic Impact
  1. College might not be worth it for everyone, especially if your grades or test scores are not high. It's important to understand your own abilities before deciding.
  2. Don't let others' opinions about jobs or status dictate your choices. Sometimes a job that's seen as 'low' can actually be a good career for you.
  3. If you work hard and have the right skills, there are many paths to success that don't require a college degree. Focus on what suits you best.

The last four years were the most repressive of my lifetime

Unsafe Science • 907 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Cancel Culture Political Ideologies Higher education Social movements
  1. Over the last few years, many people have felt pressured to censor themselves due to fear of backlash from others. This fear often came from their peers, rather than any single leader or group.
  2. The culture of intolerance has created an environment where speaking out against popular opinions can lead to serious personal and professional consequences, making many people afraid to express their true thoughts.
  3. This situation has led to what some term a 'spiral of silence,' where the majority of people feel they can't speak up because they believe they are alone in their views, even when they actually share those views with many others.

Beware of Econ Grad School

In My Tribe • 956 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🚌 Education Higher education Economics Career Advice Teaching Methods
  1. Econ grad school might not be the best choice if you're just curious about ideas. It's better to explore other careers that can satisfy that curiosity, like business.
  2. Many econ programs focus on teaching specific skills rather than encouraging discussions and new ideas. This can stifle your interest and creativity.
  3. You can learn a lot about economics on your own. Understanding basic concepts and real-world business behavior can be more valuable than fancy math techniques from grad school.

Claudine Gay's Dishonorable Discharge

Glenn Loury • 1884 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education DEI Plagiarism Race Leadership
  1. The charges of plagiarism against Claudine Gay were serious enough to merit her removal, despite other motivations behind the campaign against her.
  2. The appointment of high-ranking officials, especially in historical positions like Harvard President, should prioritize qualifications over symbolic representation.
  3. Habitual plagiarism can undermine a leader's credibility and position, regardless of race, and institutions should uphold standards of integrity and merit.

Social Learning Links

In My Tribe • 516 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education reform Freedom of Speech Social media Public Policy Higher education
  1. We need to make big tech companies more open about how they control what we see online. It's important for users to understand how decisions are made about content.
  2. There's hope for improving free speech in colleges, thanks to changes in culture and organizations pushing for reform. College leaders have a critical role in shaping this positive change.
  3. The current problems in education can be traced back to how ideas have been taught in schools. We might need to rethink who we trust in academia and lift up the better thinkers.

Burn Down the Admissions System

Persuasion • 2358 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Affirmative Action Higher education Supreme Court
  1. The end of affirmative action could lead to a crucial change in the flawed admissions system.
  2. Elite colleges might exploit loopholes to maintain unjust practices like legacy admissions, donor preferences, and subjective personal statements.
  3. The personal statement component of admissions can perpetuate privilege, as it is subjective and prone to manipulation, undermining the fairness of the system.

Affirmative Action's Demise and Higher Education

Glenn’s Substack • 2260 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Affirmative Action Higher education Supreme Court Diversity
  1. The Supreme Court ruling against Harvard and UNC impacts diversity and affirmative action practices in higher education.
  2. The Court previously deferred to universities on the compelling interest of diversity, but now requires limits within the constitution.
  3. Higher education's declining reputation may lead to less favorable treatment in the judiciary system.

The Canceling of the American Mind Explains the Silence of University Leaders Last Week

After Babel • 2868 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education Cancel Culture Free speech
  1. The book 'The Canceling of the American Mind' by Greg Lukianoff and Rikki Schlott explores the impact of cancel culture in various fields.
  2. The silence of university leaders after recent events raises questions about fear and self-censorship.
  3. American higher education institutions need to address the challenges posed by cancel culture and prioritize free speech to regain trust.

"Striving For Upward Mobility Without Background"

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 3011 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Higher education Social Class Literature
  1. Some elite college professors have a habit of starting sentences with lowercase letters and abbreviating words randomly.
  2. The discussion about Harvard Extension School's legitimacy brings to mind the concept of clinging to social prestige.
  3. There is a recognizable psychological type of individuals who are intelligent enough to attend prestigious universities but not exceptionally bright.

Universiteten välkomnar en viss sorts politisk aktivism

Rak höger med Ivar Arpi • 707 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Academic Freedom Cancel Culture Political Activism Freedom of Speech Higher education
  1. Universities are selective in addressing challenges to academic freedom, with instances of cancel culture being omitted in responses.
  2. There is a discrepancy between how universities present academic freedom and the actual management of challenges and controversies within academic institutions.
  3. Some universities tend to prioritize certain ideologies and political activism, creating tensions around issues like cancel culture and academic freedom.