I strongly agree with the importance of diversity of thought and perspective, but I don't think that affirmative action (understood to mean preferences in hiring and admissions) is the way to do it. I imagine you'd end up with some of the same problems as other forms of affirmative action (e.g. people automatically assuming that conservatives at the school are less qualified or capable). I think that just setting up policies around non-discrimination for political perspective/partisan affiliation/whatever would help. Forging relationships with institutions representing alternative perspectives (like Hopkins with AEI) also seems like a great idea, since the most important parts of this seem to be preparing students to engage respectfully with people who hold different beliefs and exposing them to information which they might not learn in class (whether or not it changes their mind on anything, it's good to have well-rounded knowledge).
Hi Margaret, thanks for your comment. I think the central challenge in promoting viewpoint diversity on campus is identifying solutions that are both actionable and enforceable. Simply issuing non-discrimination policies is ineffective since admissions committees are already instructed to remain unbiased, yet bias persists. Because bias is innate, telling committees not to discriminate against conservatives is (in my view) not a practical solution.
I also share your concern that affirmative action could label conservatives as less qualified. Still, it’s important to acknowledge that conservatives already face significant bias, and this reality will continue with or without affirmative action. I believe we shouldn’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Excellent article which precisely points out a real and major problem and already proposes a first solution to solve it. May-be the solution can be improved, but the problem is now well posed. Thank you to the author for this great analysis !
Thanks John! Affirmative action is without a doubt not a perfect solution, but I hope more people will start thinking about what actionable solutions can be devised to address this problem.
A wonderful piece (and who knew physics majors could write so well!). Some of the stats given, showing the extent and depth of liberal entrenchment at Columbia, are shocking. However, I share the reservations of another commenter (Margaret) regarding the use of affirmative action as a means to restore ideological balance — or at least some semblance thereof.
Well written, well thought out piece. Viewpoint diversity is essential and clearly missing at unis. This needs to be a priority. First eliminate these crazy DEI faculty questions that foster a thought monoculture. End tenure.
I strongly agree with the importance of diversity of thought and perspective, but I don't think that affirmative action (understood to mean preferences in hiring and admissions) is the way to do it. I imagine you'd end up with some of the same problems as other forms of affirmative action (e.g. people automatically assuming that conservatives at the school are less qualified or capable). I think that just setting up policies around non-discrimination for political perspective/partisan affiliation/whatever would help. Forging relationships with institutions representing alternative perspectives (like Hopkins with AEI) also seems like a great idea, since the most important parts of this seem to be preparing students to engage respectfully with people who hold different beliefs and exposing them to information which they might not learn in class (whether or not it changes their mind on anything, it's good to have well-rounded knowledge).
Hi Margaret, thanks for your comment. I think the central challenge in promoting viewpoint diversity on campus is identifying solutions that are both actionable and enforceable. Simply issuing non-discrimination policies is ineffective since admissions committees are already instructed to remain unbiased, yet bias persists. Because bias is innate, telling committees not to discriminate against conservatives is (in my view) not a practical solution.
I also share your concern that affirmative action could label conservatives as less qualified. Still, it’s important to acknowledge that conservatives already face significant bias, and this reality will continue with or without affirmative action. I believe we shouldn’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Excellent article which precisely points out a real and major problem and already proposes a first solution to solve it. May-be the solution can be improved, but the problem is now well posed. Thank you to the author for this great analysis !
Thanks John! Affirmative action is without a doubt not a perfect solution, but I hope more people will start thinking about what actionable solutions can be devised to address this problem.
A wonderful piece (and who knew physics majors could write so well!). Some of the stats given, showing the extent and depth of liberal entrenchment at Columbia, are shocking. However, I share the reservations of another commenter (Margaret) regarding the use of affirmative action as a means to restore ideological balance — or at least some semblance thereof.
Well written, well thought out piece. Viewpoint diversity is essential and clearly missing at unis. This needs to be a priority. First eliminate these crazy DEI faculty questions that foster a thought monoculture. End tenure.