I began teaching at the university level in June 2018 while I was still a graduate student at George Mason University. This upcoming year, I will begin a tenure-track assistant professorship at Nicholls State University in Louisiana.
While it may seem premature to reflect on a relatively short teaching career, my experiences offer valuable insights for classically liberal educators.
Much has been written about the illiberal turn in higher education. It seems one cannot open a trade paper or blog without reading about a tenured, well-respected professor getting into trouble or fired for politically incorrect statements. Classical liberals have much to be concerned about.
However, I wish to share some reasons for optimism from my career and discuss the actions that have allowed me to thrive in higher education.
Reasons for Optimism
- Signs of Retreat in DEI Policies: DEI, as implemented in many universities, is likely the single largest threat to liberal education in the U.S. today. However, there are signs of retreat. Some institutions, like the University of North Carolina System, have banned mandatory DEI statements for professors and students. Additionally, DEI supporters sometimes turn on each other, undermining their own cause.
- Resilience of Students: Despite concerns from both the political Left and Right, I don’t see extremist attitudes developing in my students. Most pay minimal lip service to DEI and other requirements and then go their own way. More importantly, students often treat extremism with the ridicule it deserves, responding to radical demonstrators with laughter and satire.
- Economic Realities: The Law of Demand suggests that as the cost of something increases, the demand decreases. DEI is costly for both universities and applicants. Over time, these requirements will either become irrelevant due to substitutes and workarounds or be removed altogether.
Strategies for Thriving in Higher Education
- Be Honest with Students: Rather than trying to be neutral, be honest about your perspective and the choices you make in your teaching. Explain your background and how it influences your approach. Encourage students to challenge you and engage with the material critically.
- Show Respect: Treat students as adults and with respect. Simple acts like making eye contact and giving full attention can go a long way. Avoiding bombastic examples that could be misinterpreted helps maintain a respectful and professional classroom environment.
- Prudence Over Provocation: While it’s important not to give in to DEI and “woke” demands, being prudent and avoiding unnecessarily provocative statements can protect your career. Focus on surprising examples that serve pedagogical purposes without sowing the seeds of trouble.
- Be an Ambassador, Not a Missionary: Defend classical liberalism by being a good ambassador. Live your values and demonstrate the virtues of a liberal education. This approach can earn respect and avoid conflicts that could jeopardize your career.
In conclusion, while there are certainly challenges in the current academic climate, there are also reasons for optimism and strategies that can help classically liberal educators thrive. By being honest, respectful, prudent, and living our values, we can protect ourselves and promote intellectual freedom. I look forward to the day when my students enter the world as adults, and I believe there are brighter days ahead.
