The Good Fight How to Stop Campus From Boiling Over
Sep 7, 2024
Yascha Mounk, a scholar on democracy, teams up with Raj Vinnakota, President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, to dive deep into campus community dynamics. They discuss strategies for fostering genuine dialogue and the essential skills needed for a thriving academic environment. The conversation highlights alarming gaps in civic education among students and explores how shifting democratic values can impact engagement. Their insights aim to bridge divides and promote free expression, making campuses more conducive to constructive discourse.
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Higher Ed's Shift in Focus
- Higher education institutions have shifted focus, viewing education as a private rather than a public good.
- This shift has led to a decline in emphasis on civic development and democratic engagement among students.
Civic Knowledge Gap
- A survey of 18-24 year olds revealed significant deficiencies in civic knowledge among young people.
- Less than 75% of respondents could answer basic questions about government structure and political parties.
Youth's View on Democracy
- Young people prioritize values like fairness and equality when defining democracy over operational aspects.
- However, they are also more willing to engage in difficult conversations than older generations.