Abstract

ExcerptIn the immediate aftermath of the Hamas attacks on October 7, and then again during the spring, coordinated protests have spread through colleges and universities. The rapidity with which normal functioning was disrupted and the helplessness of administrators, on poignant display in the congressional hearing, point to fundamental weaknesses in higher education. I doubt that there can be a return to a pre-October 7 normalcy. Public dismay with universities was already pronounced before the protests, and the campus chaos has triggered memories of the lawlessness of the George Floyd riots. What’s wrong with higher ed? Can it be saved with a program of ambitious reforms? Or do we need new structures? In the wake of October 7, universities are due for major changes, one way or another, by themselves or by Congress. A very different set of institutions may emerge.