

E333. The Legacy of Slavery: What Still Haunts America - Coleman Hughes
Apr 10, 2025
Coleman Hughes, a writer, podcast host, and CNN contributor, discusses his transformative course on the legacy of slavery at the University of Austin. He critiques the limitations of DEI initiatives and tackles the historical repercussions of slavery, such as redlining, on today’s society. Hughes also explores the role of humor as a vehicle for truth-telling and examines the chaotic landscape of modern activism. He highlights the evolving political dynamics within the Democratic Party and addresses the challenges posed by AI in education.
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University of Austin's Mission
- The University of Austin prioritizes free speech and open thought.
- It aims to counter the perceived limitations on certain topics in mainstream academia.
Wokeness in Academia
- Elite universities' humanities departments are heavily influenced by wokeness.
- State schools experience similar issues, like expanding DEI departments without positive outcomes.
Healthy vs. Toxic DEI
- There's a healthy version of DEI that promotes open-mindedness in hiring.
- However, toxic DEI, like telling employees to "be less white," can backfire and worsen race relations.