How do schools navigate the complexities of inclusion, polarization, and freedom of expression while fostering a vibrant learning environment? Today, John Austin, Head of School at Deerfield Academy, joins Heterodox Out Loud to explore these questions and share insights from the groundbreaking report, Thriving in a World of Pluralistic Contention: A Framework for Schools.John reflects on his unique journey from aspiring surfer to educational leader, shaping student experiences across continents, including his tenure at King’s Academy in Jordan. Drawing from decades of experience, John delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by diversity in schools, discussing how institutions can promote dialogue, trust, and intellectual growth through structured initiatives like randomized community meals and robust expressive frameworks. John also sheds light on the collaborative process behind the report and its three foundational pillars: disciplined nonpartisanship, expressive freedom, and intellectual diversity.In This Episode:Independent schools as laboratories for educational innovationBalancing inclusivity with robust academic inquiryThe significance of Robert Putnam’s social capital theoryStrategies for fostering meaningful dialogue across differencesThe transformative potential of conscientious, courageous, and tolerant expressionAbout John:Dr. John Austin became Deerfield Academy’s 56th Head of School in July of 2019. Prior to Deerfield, Dr. Austin served as Headmaster at King’s Academy in Madaba, Jordan, and before that as Academic Dean at St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, Delaware, where he joined the faculty in 1987. A graduate of Williams College, he holds a Master of Arts, Master of Philosophy, and Doctoral degrees in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University, along with a Master’s degree from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College. Last year, with funding from an E.E. Ford Foundation grant, Dr. Austin convened a group of renowned independent school leaders from across the United States to develop a framework for enhancing the expressive freedom of students, fostering in them habits of curiosity and critical analysis, and preparing them to thrive in a world of pluralistic contention. The resulting work, authored by Dr. Austin, Thriving in a World of Pluralistic Contention: A Framework for Schools, was published in May of 2024. Follow Heterodox Academy on:Twitter: https://bit.ly/3Fax5DyFacebook: https://bit.ly/3PMYxfwLinkedIn: https://bit.ly/48IYeuJInstagram: https://bit.ly/46HKfUgSubstack: https://bit.ly/48IhjNF 🔗 Find out more about Heterodox Academy at: https://linktr.ee/heterodoxoutloud

Elisha Russ-Fishbane, an Associate Professor at NYU and an expert in Jewish-Muslim relations, shares his unique academic journey shaped by a passion for Greco-Roman literature and the aftermath of September 11. He explores historical Jewish-Muslim dialogues, particularly the significant contributions of Maimonides to interfaith understanding. Elisha discusses the challenges of academia, emphasizing the importance of intellectual humility and fostering genuine connections, while reflecting on the broader purpose of education beyond mere career outcomes.

Eboo Patel, Founder and President of Interfaith America, discusses the transformative power of pluralism in universities. He shares his journey from India and how his Muslim upbringing shaped his views on social justice. Patel critiques the shift in anti-racism strategies in academia and advocates for a balance between diverse perspectives. He proposes innovative ideas for creating 'Pluralist Universities,' emphasizing respectful dialogue and intellectual diversity, and uses jazz as a metaphor for collaboration in a democratic society.

Keith Whittington, David Boies Professor of Law at Yale and director of the Center for Academic Freedom, dives into the contentious intersection of politics and higher education. He discusses Florida's 'Stop Woke Act' and its implications for academic freedom and the First Amendment. Whittington shares insights from the Academic Freedom Alliance on defending speech rights, while exploring historical legislative interventions that echo today's challenges. The conversation highlights the necessity for open discourse and the complexity of navigating censorship and government control in academia.

Musa al-Gharbi, an assistant professor at Stony Brook University and author of "We Have Never Been Woke," delves into the concept of "symbolic capitalists" and their role in perpetuating social inequalities. He critiques the moral positioning of intellectual elites who advocate for justice while reinforcing systemic problems. The discussion spans the complexities of social capitalism, performative activism, and how societal shifts since 2010 have influenced perceptions of race and inequality, revealing the intricate ties between identity and advocacy.

In this discussion, Anthony Leaker, a senior lecturer in culture and critical theory at the University of Brighton, unpacks the complexities of free speech. He argues that free speech can be manipulated by those in power, often legitimizing harmful ideologies like racism and sexism. The conversation challenges traditional liberal ideals, exploring how social media and campus dynamics perpetuate inequalities. Leaker asserts the need for a nuanced understanding of free speech, emphasizing its implications on social justice and the importance of diverse perspectives in academia.

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.

Former professor of philosophy Kathleen Stock discusses the medicalization of gender questioning, societal impact of policy changes, challenges in professional settings, debates on trans women in single-sex spaces, role of free speech in academia, and concerns for academic freedom.

What happens when foundational scientific concepts clash with modern identity politics? Today, our guest is Elizabeth Weiss, professor emeritus of anthropology at San José State University, Segal Center research fellow, and a renowned author. Her latest book, "On the War Path: My Battles with Indians, Pretendians, and Woke Warriors", is now available. Weiss recounts her tumultuous journey through academia and the underlying conflicts within anthropology. These conflicts range from the debate between scientific knowledge and postmodern truths to the intersection of identity politics with the discipline. She also discusses the controversy surrounding the cancellation of a panel on the concept of binary sex by major anthropological associations, only for it to gain global attention after being reinstated. Join us as Elizabeth Weiss shares her steadfast commitment to objective knowledge and truth, her experiences with being canceled, and her aspirations for reform within the field of anthropology. In This Episode:Controversy over the binary concept of sexRetraction of anthropology panel on sexElizabeth Weiss's academic journey and researchChallenges in anthropology and repatriation lawsElizabeth Weiss's lawsuit and retirement settlement Follow Elizabeth on X here: https://twitter.com/eweissunburiedCheck out her latest book: https://a.co/d/9Os3MGa About Elizabeth:Elizabeth Weiss is professor emeritus of anthropology at San José State University. She's a 2023-2024 Faculty Fellow at the Mike & Sofia Segal Center for Academic Pluralism. She is on the board of the National Association of Scholars. Her latest book is On the Warpath: My Battles with Indians, Pretendians, and Woke Warriors (Academic Press, 2024). Follow Heterodox Academy on:Twitter: https://bit.ly/3Fax5DyFacebook: https://bit.ly/3PMYxfwLinkedIn: https://bit.ly/48IYeuJInstagram: https://bit.ly/46HKfUgSubstack: https://bit.ly/48IhjNF 🔗 Find out more about Heterodox Academy at: https://linktr.ee/heterodoxoutloud

Can emotional connections to our identities justify restrictions on free speech? This provocative episode of Heterodox Out Loud explores the deep tension between personal relationships and public discussions. Host John Tomasi sits down with Jilian Lederman, a graduate of Brown University and a strong advocate for free speech. Together, they examine the complex landscape of free expression on university campuses, focusing on the oppressor-oppressed dynamic and its impact on intellectual diversity and dialogue.Jilian shares her experiences in political discourse and pro-Israel advocacy, highlighting the intimidation and harassment faced by Jewish and other marginalized students. We also explore her op-ed for The New York Times and her efforts to promote open inquiry and robust debate through various initiatives and student organizations. The episode also touches on changing commitments to free speech principles and creating a more inclusive academic environment. In This Episode:• Challenges to campus free speech principles• Critique of the oppressor-oppressed dichotomy• Why universities need more intellectual diversity• The impact of identity politics on student life• Advocacy for classic free speech doctrines About Jilian:Jillian Lederman is a 2024 graduate of Brown University, where she studied political science and economics. While in college, she served as the Executive Chair of Hillel International’s Israel Leadership Network, the President of Brown Students for Israel, co-president of Free Inquiry at Brown, and a writer and editor for The Brown Political Review. She is also a Research Assistant for Heterodox Academy. Her writing has been published in The New York Times and The Hill, and she has been interviewed on FOX, CNN, MSNBC, SiriusXM, and News Nation. This fall, she will begin work as an editorial fellow at The Wall Street Journal. Follow Heterodox Academy on:Twitter: https://bit.ly/3Fax5DyFacebook: https://bit.ly/3PMYxfwLinkedIn: https://bit.ly/48IYeuJInstagram: https://bit.ly/46HKfUgSubstack: https://bit.ly/48IhjNF 🔗 Find out more about Heterodox Academy at: https://linktr.ee/heterodoxoutloud