Today’s universities are experiencing campus protests that signal a neglect of the most important function of higher education – to nurture, protect, and teach civilization. The virtues of courage, compassion, work, and friendship must be emphasized in order to be maintained. The failure to teach and explain the foundations of civilization is evident in the current state of universities. The demystification of Ivy League institutions is underway, with administrators and faculty failing to address campus protests and disruptions. Some protests are fueled by outside agitators who are not actual students, and it is important to understand who is driving and participating in these events.
The disruption caused by campus protests may lead to a shift in perspective among parents and students, reconsidering the value of higher education. The incidents on campuses pose a threat beyond the scope of free speech and peaceful protests, resembling dangerous ideologies of the past. Instances of antisemitism on college campuses raise concerns about the safety and well-being of Jewish students attending these institutions. Enrollment numbers are decreasing, and there are indications that alumni and trustees may hesitate to engage with their alma maters due to current events.
Calls for freezing federal funding to universities are being made in response to the failure to teach the fragility of civilization and the importance of democratic values. The purpose of government funding to these institutions was to advance knowledge, yet the current state of affairs raises doubts about the effectiveness of this support. The COVID-19 pandemic has already prompted some students to rethink the necessity of a college education, and the recent disruptions on campuses may further contribute to this shift in perception. Universities need to address the underlying issues that are leading to protests and disruptions on campus before irreversible damage is done.
The neglect of teaching the humanities and the values of civilization is contributing to the breakdown of order on university campuses. The failure to instill virtues in students threatens the foundations of democracy and institutions. The role of educators in addressing protests and disturbances on campuses is crucial in maintaining the integrity of educational institutions. The lack of understanding of the fragility of civilization and the consequences of neglecting its teachings can have far-reaching implications for the future of higher education. It is essential for universities to prioritize the education and nurturing of students to prevent further deterioration of the learning environment.
