Conservative experts optimistic about declining college censorship at AEI event.
A New Era: The Decline of the “Great Awokening” on College Campuses
A group of higher education experts gathered on Tuesday to discuss the promising shift away from the widespread left-wing activism that has dominated college campuses in recent years. During the panel discussion, hosted by the American Enterprise Institute and moderated by Washington Examiner columnist Tim Carney, three panelists shared their experiences and observations.
Hope on the Horizon
Steve McGuire, from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, expressed optimism, stating that there is evidence of a decline in the fervor and excitement that has fueled campus activism. McGuire noted that the number of event cancellations on campuses appears to be decreasing, although it is still too early to determine if this trend will continue.
Inez Stepman, a senior policy analyst at the Independent Women’s Forum, acknowledged that while the intensity of progressive campus activism may be subsiding, its institutional influence remains strong. She emphasized the need to address whether this movement has truly been de-institutionalized.
Sam Abrams, a professor at Sarah Lawrence College and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, offered a glimmer of hope amidst concerns about the decline of higher education institutions. Abrams highlighted a shift among students, noting their increasing willingness to engage with differing opinions and their pride in embracing alternative viewpoints.
A New Generation
Abrams emphasized that today’s students demonstrate a greater openness to diverse perspectives compared to their predecessors from just a few years ago. He expressed his optimism about this generational shift, seeing it as a positive sign for the future of higher education.
As the “Great Awokening” gradually recedes, these experts believe that a new era of intellectual curiosity and respectful dialogue is emerging on college campuses.
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
How has the growing awareness of cancel culture affected students and faculty members’ support for the ”Great Awokening” and their approach to social justice activism?
Day to discuss an emerging phenomenon on college campuses around the country – the decline of the “Great Awokening”. This term refers to the fervent embrace of social justice issues and identity politics that has characterized many campuses in recent years. However, it appears that this once-dominant ideology is losing its grip on the intellectual climate of higher education.
The panel of experts attributed the decline of the “Great Awokening” to a variety of factors. Firstly, they argued that students are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the extreme tactics and intolerance that often characterize this movement. The panel highlighted instances of student activists shutting down speakers with opposing viewpoints, demanding ideological conformity, and engaging in public shaming campaigns. As a result, students who once embraced this ideology are now starting to question its effectiveness and legitimacy.
Another factor contributing to the decline is the growing awareness of the dangers of cancel culture. Cancel culture refers to the practice of publicly condemning and “canceling” individuals or organizations deemed to have violated certain social norms or beliefs. Increasingly, students and faculty members are realizing that cancel culture stifles free speech, discourages open dialogue, and creates a toxic intellectual environment. This realization has led many to reevaluate their support for the “Great Awokening” and seek alternative approaches to social justice activism.
Additionally, the experts emphasized the role of intellectual diversity in shaping this shift. Over the past few years, there has been a renewed commitment to promoting diverse perspectives and ideas on college campuses. Universities have recognized the importance of engaging with a range of viewpoints to foster critical thinking and intellectual growth. This focus on intellectual diversity has led to a greater willingness to challenge the dominant ideology of the “Great Awokening” and to welcome dissenting voices.
Furthermore, the panel noted that increasing attention is being paid to the harmful effects of identity politics. While acknowledging the importance of considering different lived experiences, many scholars and students are now questioning the divisive nature of identity politics. They argue that this approach often prioritizes group identities over individual experiences and perpetuates a sense of victimhood. As a result, there is a growing call for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to social justice activism that recognizes the complexity and diversity of human experiences.
Although the decline of the “Great Awokening” is encouraging, the panel cautioned that there is still work to be done. They stressed the importance of continuing to promote open dialogue, intellectual diversity, and critical thinking on college campuses. Only through robust and respectful engagement with a variety of viewpoints can higher education truly fulfill its mission of fostering knowledge, understanding, and social progress.
In conclusion, the decline of the “Great Awokening” on college campuses is a significant development in the intellectual landscape of higher education. Students and faculty members are increasingly questioning the extreme tactics and intolerance of this movement and seeking alternative approaches to social justice activism. The embrace of intellectual diversity, awareness of the dangers of cancel culture, and critique of identity politics have all played a part in this shift. However, the experts reminded us that the work is not yet complete – the promotion of open dialogue and critical thinking must continue to ensure that higher education remains a bastion of knowledge, understanding, and progress.
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