This American Life 867: College Disorientation
Sep 14, 2025
Nevaeh Parker, a dynamic leader from the University of Utah's Black Student Union, discusses her fight to preserve representation amidst restrictive anti-DEI laws. She shares the challenges of advocating for her community while managing personal and academic pressures. Meanwhile, Ike Sreesh Kandaraja dives into the contentious effects of the IRA definition of antisemitism at Columbia University, exploring how it shapes professors' teaching strategies and academic freedom. Together, they navigate the turbulent waters of identity and advocacy in today's higher education landscape.
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International Students Scramble At Orientation
- International students at ASU arrive alone and eagerly use orientation events to make connections.
- Some students' roommates never arrived because their visas were rejected, showing immigration policy's personal impact.
Visa Rejection Derails A Student's Plans
- Karthik planned his life at ASU but was rejected at a two-minute visa interview along with several others.
- He scrambled to enroll in a school in India and couldn't understand why he was denied despite strong credentials.
Higher Ed Is Under Rapid Policy Shock
- College life is being reshaped rapidly by executive orders, lawsuits, and policy shifts from the Trump administration.
- Changes include funding suspensions, DEI bans, accreditation overhauls, and leadership upheaval across universities.