BACK TO SCHOOL: MIT's disappearing Black student population, Affirmative Action, and sea changes in higher ed
Sep 4, 2024
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The podcast kicks off with a discussion on whether college students are treated like adults or infantilized. It dives into alarming statistics about MIT's declining Black enrollment after recent affirmative action changes. The speakers critique university admissions policies and emphasize the need for authentically inclusive education. They also touch on the tensions surrounding student protests and the role of AI in academic integrity, questioning how these advancements will reshape higher learning and student experiences.
The podcast discusses the infantilization of college students, emphasizing the need for universities to treat them as independent adults amidst safety concerns.
Recent shifts in admissions following the Supreme Court's affirmative action ruling have caused a significant decrease in Black student enrollment at MIT, raising concerns about diversity.
The speakers highlight the potential resurgence of campus activism, indicating that specific societal issues could reignite student protests at elite institutions.
Deep dives
Back to School and Course Topics
The episode begins with a discussion about the start of the academic year, as one speaker prepares to teach various courses that span public writing and environmental humanities. The courses are designed to engage students in critical thinking and discussion about significant themes, including the environmental aspects of popular films like Jaws and Lord of the Rings. The mention of these films invites conversations about industrialization and environmental degradation, particularly how J.R.R. Tolkien's concerns manifest in the narrative of Mordor as a representation of unchecked industry. This sets the stage for broader discussions around education and the experience of students as they transition back to learning.
Critique of College Administrative Culture
An op-ed in the New York Times raises concerns about the infantilization of college students and the double standards they face compared to their peers in the workforce. The discussion highlights a tension within university cultures where administrators prioritize safety and management over fostering independence among students. Specific examples are provided, showing conflicting demands from student groups regarding safety amidst protests, which complicates how students are treated as adults. The speakers engage in a debate about whether colleges should treat students more like adults and grapple with the implications of over-protective administrative practices.
Changes in College Admissions Dynamics
The conversation addresses recent shifts in college admissions following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn affirmative action. Specific data from MIT reveals a drop in Black student enrollment, prompting debates over the long-term ramifications for diversity in elite institutions. The dialogue underscores the historical context of admissions policies while acknowledging that the changes may inadvertently lead to more economic diversity among students. However, the speakers express skepticism about whether elite universities will make meaningful adjustments to ensure equitable representation moving forward.
Protests and Campus Culture
The discussion takes a turn towards the potential for renewed protests on college campuses, particularly with early signs of activism at institutions like Columbia. The speakers note that previous protests were ignited by specific flashpoints in the news cycle, which raises the question of whether similar events might trigger a new wave of activism. They emphasize the importance of student dissent and the complexities involved when campus administrations adapt to protests with restrictive measures. The conversation reveals a sense of uncertainty about how the student body will mobilize in response to ongoing issues surrounding campus governance and societal events.
Impact of AI on Academic Integrity
The episode concludes with a discussion about the implications of AI, particularly tools like ChatGPT, on academic integrity and writing skills among college students. The speakers examine the varying degrees to which generative AI is affecting higher education, especially in writing-intensive disciplines. They express concerns that reliance on AI tools may hinder students' development as writers, potentially leading to a generation less equipped to express their thoughts in a nuanced manner. The conversation culminates in reflections on the challenges faced by educators in adapting curricula to address the realities of technology while maintaining rigorous standards in student learning.
Welcome back to school everyone. This week, we talk about an article in the New York Times that asks whether we infantilize students and whether we should start treating 18 year old college kids like adults. We also get into the admissions numbers out of MIT after the Affirmative Action Supreme Court and whether we might be seeing a sea change in how the public looks at prestigious Ivy League institutions (as in they hate them now).
Enjoy!
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