I recently came across this piece, first published electronically and to be published in the New Yorker magazine, which discusses student activism in an era of new socially aware movements like Black Lives Matter in both an on and off campus context. The piece focuses on students at Oberlin College, a traditionally liberal institution, but also includes commentary from the school’s president. It is a very in-depth article that highlights contemporary issues for both students and professors in higher education.
The overall student outlook was that they were sold a college dream of complete happiness, but are in actuality incredibly alienated and frustrated with their education and the structure, especially concerning student activism. Many Oberlin students were active in the Black Lives Matter movements after a nearby shooting and their studies suffered. They felt that the school focused on the wrong things, not accepting their demands or appreciating the importance of activism. Disillusioned, some were clinically depressed, some dropped out, some plan to move away from the US and the “broken” higher education system.
Faculty had a different view on the topic, dismissed by their students, they were not able to understand their convictions. Many were alarmed at the general lack of interest in the classroom and the college environment. After decades of teaching, one theatre professor couldn’t understand his students demand for a feeling “safety” in his classes. This unevenness is promoting singular study or simply not promoting learning at all, especially with real-world opportunities in activism.
Although lengthy, I recommend this piece as it touches upon a lot of interesting information on millennial students without too much bias. It also enlightens us on an institution different than Brooklyn College, with different values and modes of communication between power structures. Student activism is on the rise and deserves some further investigation on its purpose and effects.
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/05/30/the-new-activism-of-liberal-arts-colleges
