Amna Khalid, an esteemed Associate Professor of History at Carleton College and a prominent voice within the Heterodox Academy, discusses the shifting role of universities. She tackles the dual mission of higher education: truth-seeking versus citizenship training. Khalid raises concerns about self-censorship among students and critiques the current DEI initiatives that prioritize comfort over academic rigor. The conversation explores the impact of neoliberalism on campus culture and advocates for a balanced approach to academic freedom and diverse perspectives.

Professors Amna Khalid and Jeff Snyder discuss the flaws of diversity, equity, and inclusion training in institutions, highlighting the lack of evidence of its effectiveness. They emphasize the importance of genuine dialogue and critique corporate influence on DEI efforts in education. The conversation delves into challenges of free speech in academic environments and the nuances of promoting diversity while maintaining academic rigor.

In this discussion, Professors Amna Khalid and Jeff Snyder tackle the pressing issues surrounding free speech in academia. Khalid, a specialist in modern South Asian history and an advocate for free expression, shares her journey from Pakistan's oppressive regimes. Snyder, focusing on the history of education and race, highlights the challenges posed by political pressures. Together, they explore the tensions between emotional safety and the necessity for critical dialogue while emphasizing the importance of diverse scholarly endeavors in higher education.