Quillette Podcast Is the University Of Austin Betraying Its Free-Speech Principles?
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May 26, 2025 Ellie Avishai, an education expert and founder of the Mill Institute, shares her insights after losing her position at the University of Austin over clashes regarding anti-DEI messaging. She discusses the tensions surrounding free speech at the university, contrasting reactions from various political perspectives. Avishai emphasizes the need for cultivating civil discourse in education, focusing on trust and communication. She also examines the conservative critique of DEI principles and the challenge of fostering inclusive discussions within polarized environments.
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Ellie's UATX Affiliation Story
- Ellie Avishai was attracted to UATX's open free speech environment after disappointment with Harvard's progressive culture.
- Her affiliation ended abruptly due to perceived insufficient opposition to woke politics at UATX.
Intellectual Complexity vs Culture Wars
- Culture wars swing like a pendulum, with both sides sometimes using illiberal tactics.
- This cycle risks intellectual complexity being reduced to sound bites and fervent tribalism.
Social Media’s Role in Polarization
- Social media fuels rapid culture swings by promoting oversimplification and forcing binary opposition.
- Questioning ideas is conflated with advocating their opposites, which kills nuanced discourse.
