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Freakonomics Radio

574. “A Low Moment in Higher Education”

Jan 25, 2024
Michael Roth, the President of Wesleyan University, is known for his bold takes on higher education and free speech. He critiques the failures of university leadership amid rising anti-Semitism and the resignations of peers at prestigious institutions. Roth discusses the decline in trust in higher education, emphasizing the urgent need for moral leadership. He also explores the influence of Gulf donations on U.S. universities and the challenges faced in fostering genuine dialogue amidst political tensions and shifting generational perspectives.
46:51

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • College presidents must exhibit moral leadership and navigate controversial issues in an inclusive manner.
  • Higher education institutions need to address declining public trust and reconnect with societal realities.

Deep dives

Scandals in Higher Education

The podcast episode explores the recent scandals involving college presidents, such as the resignations of Liz McGill from the University of Pennsylvania and Claudine Gay from Harvard. It highlights a controversial testimony on Capitol Hill regarding anti-Semitism on college campuses. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by college presidents, the role of universities in addressing controversial issues, and the importance of maintaining dialogue and fostering a safe environment on campus.

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