The Rhodes Center Podcast with Mark Blyth The role of universities in a democratic society (a collaboration with “Brown 2026”)
Jun 20, 2025
Karin Wulf, a historian and director of the John Carter Brown Library, and Kevin McLaughlin, a literary scholar and director of the John Nicholas Brown Center, lead the 'Brown 2026' initiative celebrating the U.S. 250th anniversary. They discuss the essential role of universities in democracy and public good, stressing public support for education. The conversation dives into challenges like funding and privatization, while reflecting on historical movements that expanded access to higher education. Their insights emphasize how universities can drive societal innovation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Brown 2026 Initiative Overview
- Brown 2026 explores the role of universities in democracy across past and future perspectives.
- It targets wide audiences: campus, alumni, local and global communities with diverse programming.
Universities Under Public and Political Attack
- Universities face public distrust and attacks over issues of free speech and funding.
- Despite criticisms, universities remain vital to public good and innovation.
Complex University-Government Dynamics
- The relationship between government and higher education has always been complex, not 'normal'.
- Most of higher education institutions differ significantly from elite research universities like Brown.