Universities must restore trust. It starts with respectful debate
Preview:
Higher education is at an inflection point. According to a July Gallup survey, only 17 percent of Americans have a “great deal” of confidence in their colleges and universities, an historic low and down from 28 percent in 2015.
Recent months have intensified national debates about leadership, education, free speech, ethics and how (or if) to combat hate at America's universities. These developments have likely driven down confidence even further. Indeed, a December 2023 Harris poll shows that 58 percent of Americans believe university leaders are failing students.
Originally published: January 3, 2024
Author: Ora Hirsch Pescovitz
Position: President
Institution: Oakland University
Published by: Bridge Michigan