EP. 723: WHY IS ILLINOIS STATE GOING ON STRIKE? ft. ANDREW HARTMAN & NATHAN KAPOOR
Apr 4, 2025
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Andrew Hartman, a history professor at Illinois State University, and Nathan Kapoor, an expert in the history of science and technology, dive deep into the faculty strike at their university. They discuss the impacts of austerity measures and neoliberal policies on education, emphasizing the transition from secure academic positions to adjunct labor. The conversation also touches on post-COVID challenges, the rise of AI in classrooms, and the critical need for collective action among faculty and students to ensure fair wages and working conditions.
The ongoing strike vote at Illinois State University highlights faculty resistance against neoliberal policies that compromise job security and educational integrity.
Concerns over the integration of AI in education emphasize the need for thoughtful implementation to preserve critical thinking skills and student engagement.
Deep dives
Impact of Neoliberalism on Higher Education
The discussion highlights the ongoing transformation of higher education under neoliberal policies, particularly in public universities. This shift has led to the erosion of tenure protections and the increasing reliance on adjunct positions, which compromises job security for faculty members and the integrity of academic programs. The effects of these changes extend to students as well, with rising tuition costs turning universities into credentialing factories that prioritize profit over quality education. Faculty members at Illinois State University are actively pushing back against these trends through unionization efforts aimed at restoring academic integrity and improving working conditions.
Current Strike at Illinois State University
The podcast addresses the potential strike at Illinois State University, prompted by faculty dissatisfaction with inadequate wage proposals and unaddressed demands, such as parental leave and mental health resources for students. Faculty members, fueled by union support and early negotiations that yielded little progress, feel that a strike is the last resort to advocate for their rights and the quality of education. The culmination of these tensions reflects years of austerity measures and administrative decisions that have consistently undervalued academic labor. With an overwhelming majority expressing readiness to strike, faculty hope their collective action will pressure the university to meet their demands.
Student Preparedness and Institutional Challenges
Concerns over student preparedness and engagement, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, are highlighted as significant challenges within the educational framework. Faculty members note that many first-generation college students often lack the necessary skills in reading and writing, which complicates their educational experience. The lack of robust support structures from the university diminishes the quality of education and puts additional pressure on faculty who are committed to their students' success. This environment underscores the need for institutional reform and adequate support for both students and faculty.
The Role of AI in Higher Education
The podcast explores the growing integration of AI in educational settings, raising concerns about its impact on student learning and engagement. Faculty members argue that while AI can facilitate certain processes, it also risks exacerbating existing inequalities and undermining the critical thinking skills vital for academic success. The uncritical adoption of AI by university administrations is seen as a potential threat that could diminish educational standards and further disengage students. There is a call for a more thoughtful approach to technology in academia that prioritizes student learning and fosters meaningful educational experiences.