The hottest Higher education Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Education Topics

Why This Israeli Dance Professor Is Suing Berkeley

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 421 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. A dance professor at Berkeley, Yael Nativ, is suing the university after her application to teach was rejected. She had previously taught a successful class and was invited back.
  2. The university's rejection was reportedly due to tensions among graduate students, which made it uncomfortable for them to host her class.
  3. Nativ claims the school acknowledged discrimination against her and promised to address it but then failed to follow through.

Artificial Demand for College

In My Tribe • 561 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. Many students don't really care about their subjects in college. Professors often feel like they are just going through the motions of teaching because most students are not naturally excited about learning.
  2. There's a lot of artificial demand for college from people who have different reasons to attend, like meeting job requirements or following social expectations, rather than a genuine interest in academics.
  3. Colleges are propped up by outside funding, which allows them to focus on non-academic perks instead of adjusting to real demand. If this artificial demand disappeared, colleges would likely have to downsize and offer more relevant experiences.

My Number One Issue

In My Tribe • 1655 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🚌 Education Higher education
  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.

Fixing Universities

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1413 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🚌 Education Higher education
  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.

Media School Research: Sedatives, Politics, Somatic Healing, and Racial Justice

Heterodox STEM • 120 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. Researchers are examining somatic healing and so-called “sedative technologies” that soothe and regulate bodies in response to racial trauma. While these practices can calm individuals, they may also limit more disruptive, collective ways of responding to ongoing racial violence.
  2. A best-selling book popularized body-focused trauma therapies and helped spark widespread interest in somatic approaches. Many scientists, however, criticize the book’s claims as pseudoscientific, so its authority is contested.
  3. Media schools increasingly study topics like bodily regulation and trauma using qualitative case studies rather than traditional experiments, blurring lines with humanities and social science. Institutional shifts can also lead to conflicts over student journalism and administrative censorship when reputation is prioritized over reporting.
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Bucknell Graduation

Splattern • 179 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🎭️ Culture Higher education
  1. Seeing the graduation was a surprise. The students really embraced the moment and had a lot of fun, even if it meant pushing their limits.
  2. People often feel uncertain during big life changes, like graduation. This makes them focus more on enjoying the present instead of worrying about the future.
  3. Family gatherings can change over time. It was nice to see everyone getting along and sharing laughs while helping each other, showing how relationships evolve.

EXCLUSIVE: Too Little, Too Late, Harvard Is Told About Its Response to Antisemitism Claims

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 389 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education
  1. Harvard is facing a lawsuit from the Justice Department for allegedly not handling antisemitism on campus properly. This is because they didn't follow the civil rights laws.
  2. The Department of Health and Human Services had earlier found Harvard in violation of a law that protects against discrimination. They tried to communicate with Harvard about it but didn't see any progress.
  3. If the lawsuit goes ahead, there could be serious consequences for Harvard. These might include a court order that forces them to change how they deal with discrimination and harassment.

The 1915 AAUP Warned the AAUP Not to Become the AAUP of 2025

Unsafe Science • 109 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. A major faculty organization has shifted from defending academic freedom to taking partisan progressive positions. Examples include endorsing DEI-based faculty evaluations, permitting academic boycotts, and supporting divestment actions.
  2. A century-old warning said academic freedom should not be used as a shelter for uncritical partisanship, because that breeds outside intervention and damage to universities. Current policies show that warning coming true by inviting controversies that harm internal order and public standing.
  3. These partisan moves carry real risks: DEI criteria can be vague and unevidenced, boycotts are likely to be applied selectively, and divestment campaigns can be hypocritical and damaging to a university's reputation. Such outcomes may undermine, rather than protect, academic freedom.

Let Them Be Hillsdale

Bet On It • 412 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education
  1. Hillsdale College does not take government funding, which allows them to avoid many regulations. This shows that colleges can choose to be independent from government rules.
  2. Many colleges in America have been accused of discrimination based on race and gender, and the author believes that if they want to continue this practice, they should also refuse government funding, like Hillsdale.
  3. The author supports reforms for universities that demand truth, merit-based admissions, and respect for free speech, arguing that taxpayers deserve to see their money used wisely in education.

Austerity for Fertility

Bet On It • 301 implied HN points • 21 Aug 25
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. Lower birth rates are a big concern, and some economists now think we need policies to raise them. They believe reducing government spending on education could help with this issue.
  2. Educational austerity suggests that cutting funding for non-STEM majors may lead to women finishing their studies sooner and starting families earlier.
  3. The idea is not about opposing education but rather focusing financial support on areas that might boost birth rates while reducing wasteful spending.

Taking a New Direction

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🚌 Education Higher education
  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.

Reagan’s Secretary of Education Joins Qatar’s Payroll

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 370 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education
  1. Qatar is increasing its lobbying efforts in the U.S., especially in higher education. They're not backing down despite facing criticism.
  2. Georgetown University awarded a medal to Sheikha Moza bint Nasser for her work in education, but this decision is being questioned due to her support for controversial figures.
  3. The former congressman and lobbyist, Jim Moran, is closely tied to Qatar's interests in the U.S. and was present during a controversial testimony at Congress.

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 Higher education
  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.

What If Liberals Have Agency?

Singal-Minded • 1184 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

The High Educational Costs of Politically One-Sided Campuses

The Missing Data Depot • 7 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. Most colleges and universities are politically one-sided, with faculty, administrators, and many students leaning left, and students’ perceptions of that tilt are generally accurate.
  2. Students who feel out of step with professors and peers report much more self-censorship and far less comfort speaking up, creating an “outsider penalty” that hits moderates and conservatives especially.
  3. That chilling effect undermines open debate and learning, so campuses should take ideological climate seriously and pursue changes that make students feel safer expressing diverse views.

"Striving For Upward Mobility Without Background"

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 3011 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Higher education
  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.

Part I: How to Succeed in Business & Econ Teaching Without Sweating Too Many Bullets

Unsafe Science • 24 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. Give students leadership of class activities so they become collaborators and drive engagement rather than passive listeners.
  2. Use simple routines like brief reviews or quizzes at the start, paired introductions, and a final feedback period to boost learning, speaking skills, and class rapport.
  3. Adopt an experimental, risk-taking mindset with the instructor as mentor and fellow learner so teaching becomes lighter, more fun, and yields unanticipated learning.

The Price of the Epstein Frenzy

Critical Mass • 10 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. The release of millions of Epstein-related documents has sparked a moral panic that treats mere association as guilt by association.
  2. Universities and media outlets are cutting ties and cancelling programs linked to anyone connected with Epstein, even when there’s no evidence those people knew about or took part in his crimes.
  3. Those retroactive punishments are dismantling useful educational programs and resources, hurting students and the public more than they advance justice.

overeducating the midwits

bad cattitude • 284 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. Education has changed to be less about critical thinking and more about memorization, leading many to believe they are smarter than they really are.
  2. People who think they are educated but aren't can become very defensive when their ideas are challenged, which makes them resistant to new information.
  3. The current education system tends to promote mediocrity by giving degrees to those who cannot think critically, and we may need to rethink or even dismantle it to improve learning.

Carole Hooven: Why I Left Harvard

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2504 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. Challenges to free speech on college campuses are exemplified by instances where individuals are penalized for opposing campus orthodoxy or stating scientific views that contradict prevailing beliefs.
  2. Higher education institutions often prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which, while aiming for inclusivity, may inadvertently stifle viewpoint diversity and open debate, hindering the essence of thriving educational environments.
  3. The importance of ensuring a balance between promoting diversity and maintaining free speech is highlighted through personal experiences, illustrating the impact of DEI culture on academic freedom and the need for universities to re-establish environments supportive of open dialogue and diverse perspectives.

Beware of Econ Grad School

In My Tribe • 956 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🚌 Education Higher education
  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.

The last four years were the most repressive of my lifetime

Unsafe Science • 907 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education
  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.

What it's like being a political communication professor right now

The Future, Now and Then • 234 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. Being a political communication professor is a unique job where you get paid to think deeply. It's a special opportunity, especially as such positions are becoming rare.
  2. The impact of technology like ChatGPT on education may not be huge in some classrooms. Engaging students in meaningful discussions still remains crucial.
  3. Current political issues and a shift towards authoritarianism make teaching political communication more challenging. Professors have to adapt to these changes and modify their teaching strategies.

The End of Liberal Education?

Castalia • 539 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. There is growing concern that elite universities like Harvard are losing touch with their traditional liberal values. Recent incidents have highlighted a divide between student activism and mainstream liberalism.
  2. The rising costs of education are making it harder for middle-class families to access top schools. This situation has led to a focus on superficial diversity rather than true socioeconomic representation.
  3. The environment on college campuses has shifted towards heightened sensitivity and protection of student feelings. This shift includes the use of concepts like 'safe spaces' and 'trigger warnings,' which some argue restrict open debate and dialogue.

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
  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.

Smiley’s People

Heterodox STEM • 320 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

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

Heterodox STEM • 277 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education
  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.

Exclusive: Trump Administration Launches Probe Into Yale’s Use of Hacked EJMR Data

Karlstack • 274 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education
  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.

Lazy Brain

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 6 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. People are increasingly using AI as a shortcut to avoid hard mental work, and that trend risks weakening our capacity to reason and think deeply.
  2. AI can be a useful tool for tasks like searching or coding, but it shouldn’t replace developing real thinking skills or the unique value of human, artisanal creativity.
  3. Education’s main purpose is to build the mental muscles needed for professional and civic life, so relying on AI instead of practicing reasoning will leave people ill-prepared for complex roles.

The Anti-Productive Crisis in US Universities

Heterodox STEM • 234 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. US universities are struggling to align with job market needs, leading to many graduates feeling unprepared for the workforce. This has created a divide between valuable technical skills and less valued liberal arts education.
  2. Many students are majoring in fields that don't offer good job prospects, leading to high debt and disappointment. A significant number of graduates may not earn back their investment in education.
  3. There's a growing need for universities to rethink their focus, particularly on STEM fields, to better prepare students for future job markets. Emphasizing technical skills could help students secure better-paying jobs.

Quiet During Working Hours is "Exclusionary and Unwelcoming" at McGill

Heterodox STEM • 220 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. Posting anonymous messages about noise in shared spaces can hurt people and create an unwelcoming environment. It's important to have open and respectful discussions instead.
  2. Everyone at McGill is encouraged to engage actively with their community. Face-to-face interactions and collaboration strengthen learning for everyone.
  3. It's essential to ensure that all members, especially marginalized groups, feel valued and safe. Actions that undermine inclusion can cause real harm and should be addressed.

Selfishly Speaking, Who Should Skip College?

Bet On It • 488 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🚌 Education Higher education
  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.

Commentator

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education
  1. Public opinion plays a huge role in international conflicts, often influencing how countries act. It's surprising how much leaders consider public sentiment when making decisions about wars like those in Gaza and Ukraine.
  2. American universities are facing tension between free speech and protecting students. The recent actions of university presidents show a struggle to balance these principles, leading to calls for free speech policies amid accusations of hypocrisy.
  3. The complex nature of global power dynamics means that decisions made can cause significant harm, yet they may be seen as necessary in political terms. This understanding challenges the naive view that nations can act purely on moral grounds.

Social Learning Links

In My Tribe • 516 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Academia & MAMLMs: The Seven Labors of the Academic East-African Plains Ape

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 215 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. Higher education has always aimed to help people become effective thinkers and communicators. This means teaching students how to research, analyze, and share their knowledge.
  2. New technologies like AI are not a threat to education but rather another change in how we learn. History has shown that every new tool can enhance our learning process instead of replacing it.
  3. The main focus in education should remain on guiding students through the learning process while adapting to new teaching tools. This can lead to a more engaging and fun learning experience.

Note to Congress on DEI in the Sciences: The Call is Coming from Inside the House

OpenTheBooks Substack • 181 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education
  1. Funding for scientific research is being diverted towards projects focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which some argue do not contribute to actual scientific innovation.
  2. Congress plays a role in these funding decisions by mandating certain criteria that prioritize DEI over traditional scientific research, affecting how grants are awarded.
  3. There's a push for lawmakers to stop funding DEI initiatives in science, as it is believed that this money could be better spent on crucial medical research and scientific advancements.

My Suspension of Disbelief and the Treacherous Two-Tier University of Toronto

Heterodox STEM • 149 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education
  1. Many universities are heavily influenced by social justice ideologies, making it hard for diverse opinions to be discussed. This creates a two-tier system where some views are protected while others are punished.
  2. There is a growing sense among some academics that freedom of expression is under threat in educational institutions. People are afraid to share their thoughts for fear of backlash or punishment.
  3. Despite challenges and potential personal consequences, there are individuals who are committed to standing up for their beliefs. They hope that the current trends will eventually shift and allow for more open dialogue and truth.

Anti-woke gadfly Steven Pinker suddenly pimping for Harvard

Heterodox STEM • 241 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

The Obvious-Once-You-Think-About-It Reason Why Education Cuts Fertility

Bet On It • 659 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. As education levels increase, people tend to have fewer children. This trend is seen in both individuals and countries.
  2. One reason for this is that students often want to finish their education before starting a family, leading to later parenthood.
  3. Education changes what people prioritize in life, making career success more important than having kids early.