Stanford’s Handling Of DEI Dean Is A Microcosm Of A Much Larger Problem In Higher Education

Stanford University’s move to put Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Tirien Steinbach on leave was a step in the right direction after she brazenly attacked U.S. Court of Appeals Judge for the Fifth Circuit Kyle Duncan for nearly eight minutes. Dean Steinbach had a fundamental responsibility as an administrator to uphold the university’s ideals, including its unwavering commitment to free speech and independent thought.

Although the answer response makes it abundantly clear that such conduct from an executive will not be tolerated, it falls short of addressing the bigger problem that is plaguing university campuses all over the country. Stanford supports the self-righteous student mobs who claim that only their perspectives are true by allowing students to avoid accountability for their own misconduct.

Despite the fact that college campuses were once regarded as the leading defenders of these values, Campus Reform has been relentlessly exposing the troubling shift that seeks to stifle free speech and critical thinking for almost 15 years.

In the late 80s, colleges began to push speech codes, but these restrictions were widely expanded in the 2000s and continue to rise each year. In addition to these codes, students, faculty, and administrators organized and collaborated to ban influential figures from campuses whose messages deviated from the mob — particularly conservative speakers. Because of the minimal resistance from most colleges, the students discovered that the louder and more aggressive they become, the more likely administrators would surrender to their demands.

Anti-American sentiment on college campuses has increased along with these authoritarian efforts, and realistic positions have been demonized. This anti-Americanism is being fueled by the time to update our history, which is making many students have little respect for the ideas of liberty, including the First Amendment. Think about these figures:

• Polls show more than 60% of Americans approve of restricting speech and 51% want to change the First Amendment
• The Constitution, according to nearly 60 % of people between the ages of 21 and 38,” goes too far in allowing hate speech in modern America ,” and 54 % of respondents said” hate speech” violators should serve time in prison.
• The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education found that more than 50% of students want to see educational institutions restrict “intolerant opinions”
• A recent Gallup poll shows only 38% of people are extremely proud to be Americans
• Axios reported 61% of those between the ages of 18 to 24 have a positive view of socialism, and 55% of women would rather live in a socialist country
• A Washington Post/University of Maryland study found that 36% of Americans are not proud of how democracy works in the United States
• 70% of millennials say they are likely to vote socialist
• Only 57 % of millennials think the Communist Manifesto offers more freedom and equality than the Declaration of Independence.
• One in three teenagers views socialism favorably.

Colleges may acquire a zero-tolerance policy toward those who restrict free speech and critical thinking in order to address these urgent issues. It is essential that these entities adopt a strategic and all-inclusive strategy to directly address this issue.

I’m pleased to report that none of my scholars have ever behaved in such a shameful manner. My individuals have been outstanding in their politeness and devotion to speakers throughout my 17 years of teaching. Despite my utter debate with Economist Paul Krugman’s opinions, I encouraged my students to attend his presentation at the university. Few did, and they treated him with the utmost support. That is the standard that educators like Dean Steinbach and I had arranged for students because I wouldn’t have tolerated something else.

Any instructor who is unable to sustain politeness and self-control, especially toward visiting speakers, does not have the age required for a college degree, despite the fact that protests can be an effective way to express dissent. Additionally, staff members and administrators are unfit to start working on college campuses if they support or take part in such behavior. It is crucial to demonstrate transparency and take decisive action to address this issue in order to return colleges to their erstwhile status as centers of free conversation and critical thinking.

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Nicholas Giordano is a political science professor at Suffolk Community College and a Leadership Institute’s Campus Reform Higher Education Fellow.

The opinions expressed in this essay are the author’s alone and may not reflect those of The Daily Wire.