Activism is not the mission of universities  College administrators, professors and even elected officials seem to have lost sight of higher education's purpose.
Today, many seem to believe that the primary function of these institutions is to provide a platform for activism. Any steps to contain or limit political protest are seen as antithetical to their very existence. This view is erroneous, and we need to correct the misconception and restore the academic focus of colleges and universities.
Post-secondary education serves a critical role in society. By fulfilling its foundational, primary mission of teaching students to think critically, and to acquire knowledge through scholarship and research, these important institutions prepare the next generation to be productive citizens. That's not just for their benefit, but for the benefit of all of us.
Higher education is tasked with cultivating well-rounded individuals — that is ultimately the reason the government provides taxpayer money to support the industry, whether in student loans, subsidies, research grants or tax breaks. These students will become future leaders in medicine, engineering, education, science, policy and economics. For our country to remain prosperous, we need to be able to draw from a skilled and talented population.
The full opinion editorial is available at The Hill | |
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