The article is here; the Introduction:
The United States is currently facing a challenging period: trust in democratic institutions is diminishing, constitutional safeguards are being weakened by the Supreme Court’s conservative majority, and rationality is being overridden by the emotional impulses fueled by former president Donald Trump. The internet has become a breeding ground for paranoia, accusations, revenge, and hate speech, which often spill over into real-world violence. Education in general, and universities in particular, have become targets of these attacks.
The assault on education is not a new phenomenon—conservative think tanks and politicians have been undermining it for years. However, the current situation is particularly alarming as Republican lawmakers and extremist groups are actively censoring classrooms and libraries, claiming to protect children from so-called “woke” indoctrination.
In a twisted interpretation of the concept, censorship is being justified in the name of free speech and academic freedom. These terms have been co-opted by the powerful to suppress dissent and criticism of government policies, inequality, and injustice—all in the name of preserving freedom.
Ironically, the censors argue that they are eliminating “politics” from universities. However, their actions have only heightened political tensions, rather than reducing them. The distinction between politics and partisanship has blurred, with partisan interests often masquerading as political discourse. This manipulation undermines the essence of democratic education, which thrives on open debate and diverse perspectives.
The boundary between politics and partisanship has always been fragile, as evidenced by the numerous cases investigated by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) over the years. Scholars who challenged powerful interests were often accused of being “political” and faced repercussions, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining academic freedom in the face of partisan pressures.
The AAUP has worked tirelessly to safeguard academic freedom through various mechanisms such as tenure, faculty governance, and the protection of extramural speech. Despite these efforts, the struggle to uphold democratic principles in education continues, requiring constant vigilance and adaptation.
The tension between politics and partisanship is inherent in knowledge production and cannot be fully resolved. Academic freedom serves as a buffer against partisan interference, but it does not entirely eliminate the conflict. Critical engagement with diverse perspectives and a commitment to intellectual inquiry are essential for navigating this complex terrain in higher education.
