The hottest Higher education Substack posts right now

Author got blackmailed into teaching at Columbia University without a degree
Teaching experience was challenging yet rewarding, contributing to student projects
Emphasized the importance of practical skills over formal education in journalism field

Colleges should prioritize teaching above research and other activities to regain public trust.
There is a discrepancy between public expectation of universities focusing on teaching and the actual allocation of resources to research and unrelated activities.
Improving teaching quality requires collaboration among faculty, administrators, and trustees to adjust incentives and prioritize education.

Harvard University knew they were discriminating against Asians from the start.
Adam Mortara was approached to lead a case against Harvard.
Internal Harvard reports revealed discrimination against Asians in college admissions.

DEI bureaucracies often hinder free speech on college campuses, particularly for conservative viewpoints.
Lack of empirical evidence makes it hard to determine the true impact of DEI programs on university speech climates.
DEI bureaucracies may increase tolerance for progressive speakers while causing discomfort and disrupting conversations on campus.

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The question of academic freedom for university administrators is complex and largely unexplored.
There are arguments both for and against extending academic freedom to administrators.
Protecting administrators' academic freedom could challenge bureaucratic tendencies but may not align with their selection preferences.

Charles Lindbergh made history with his transatlantic flight in the Spirit of St. Louis in 1927.
Rebecca Solnit talks about how slow change can lead to radical change.
Scientists are taking a stand against fraudulent science research like plagiarism and paper mills.

Dr. Wayne Frederick shares how Howard University is assisting with the pandemic and planning for reopening, emphasizing the importance of unity and community support.
Howard University is actively involved in COVID-19 response efforts in DC, including expanding hospital capacity and managing a testing facility to address the virus within vulnerable populations.
A Fall 2020 Preparation Committee is working on various issues for reopening, prioritizing safety measures, testing, and flexibility in case social distancing policies continue.