Episode 263: College Uncovered
In the latest episode L. Joy dives into the intense political conflicts occurring on college campuses across the country. Joined at the front of the class by Kirk Karaza and John Marcus, hosts of NPR's 'College Uncovered' podcast, they discuss protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, battles over diversity and inclusion programs, and issues surrounding free speech. The conversation explores the historical context of campus protests, the impact of today's diverse student population, the political climate's influence on higher education, and the importance of civil discourse. Tune in for a thorough examination of how these issues shape the educational experience and broader society.
The episode begins by addressing the misconception that political activism is a new development on college campuses. As L. Joy Williams highlights, these environments have historically been epicenters of change, bridging past protests to today's movements concerning the war in Gaza, the ending of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, and the battles over free speech. With campuses at the forefront of some of the most polarizing political movements, the conversation steers towards understanding this dynamic with insights from higher education journalists Kirk Carapezza and Jon Marcus, who explore these issues on the latest season of their podcast College Uncovered.
Their podcast aims to uncover why current debates, such as those surrounding the Gaza conflict, have fractured student consensus. Analyzing survey data and student experiences, Marcus and Carapezza seek to understand how this division impacts students' sense of belonging. The conversation also delves into how college administrations are responding to this turbulent environment. The concept of "institutional neutrality" is brought to the forefront, questioning whether universities should engage in political matters or maintain an objective educational stance.
Kirk Carapezza
Kirk is the Managing Editor and Correspondent for higher education at GBH News. In his reporting, Kirk takes the time to capture the distinct voices of students and faculty, administrators and thought leaders.
Jon Marcus
Jon Marcus writes and edits stories about, and helps plan coverage of, higher education. A former magazine editor, he has written for The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Wired, Medium.com and the Times (U.K.) Higher Education magazine, among others. His work has been honored by the National Headliner Awards, Mirror Awards, National Awards for Education Reporting, City and Regional Magazine Association, Deadline Club of New York City and others.