"This is, unfortunately, the route that many universities have chosen. Why do students need these trainings? Should students not be treated as adults? The rules are listed in the Handbook and it is students’ responsibility to learn them. Then, if they violate them they will face consequences. A few expulsions would be much more effective in driving home the message than a series of mandatory trainings. Being coercive, these trainings cause justified resentment, inducing opposition to the very ideas they purport to instill. Moreover, training is not education. We train our pets. We educate—hopefully—our students. Rather than compel trainings, wouldn’t it more effective to offer free speech seminars centered around one of the many excellent books on the subject (see, for example, Greg Lukianoff’s list “Required Reading for ‘Free Speech 101’”) and events featuring inspirational speakers—such as Jonathan Haidt, Gad Saad, Nadine Strossen, Greg Lukianoff, to name a few."
This problem didn’t just go viral in any year. In this particular year such a statement that doesn’t mention the words “antisemitism,” “Jew,” or “Israel,” is dishonest. But it says something by what it leaves out.
Thank you Anna. Perfect reading to prepare for the first meeting of the task force.
"This is, unfortunately, the route that many universities have chosen. Why do students need these trainings? Should students not be treated as adults? The rules are listed in the Handbook and it is students’ responsibility to learn them. Then, if they violate them they will face consequences. A few expulsions would be much more effective in driving home the message than a series of mandatory trainings. Being coercive, these trainings cause justified resentment, inducing opposition to the very ideas they purport to instill. Moreover, training is not education. We train our pets. We educate—hopefully—our students. Rather than compel trainings, wouldn’t it more effective to offer free speech seminars centered around one of the many excellent books on the subject (see, for example, Greg Lukianoff’s list “Required Reading for ‘Free Speech 101’”) and events featuring inspirational speakers—such as Jonathan Haidt, Gad Saad, Nadine Strossen, Greg Lukianoff, to name a few."
Bingo.
Along with the rest of your article.
Thank you!
I also wanted to share this link -- a useful resource to our president and dean search committees:
https://hxstem.substack.com/p/interviewing-university-president
Here is a link to the FIRE 2025 College Free Speech Ranking report:
https://www.thefire.org/research-learn/2025-college-free-speech-rankings
There is a section in the full report (pdf file) explaining what contributed to our abysmal rankings.
This problem didn’t just go viral in any year. In this particular year such a statement that doesn’t mention the words “antisemitism,” “Jew,” or “Israel,” is dishonest. But it says something by what it leaves out.