The world of education is in turmoil, and the source of the chaos might surprise you.
I'm usually one to point fingers at the top, but this time, the culprits aren't outdated policies or student debt; it's the very students we aim to educate. Never before have students had so much power, and their actions seem to imply that they have one goal: burn the whole place down!
And while I've been accused of being dramatic... I've seen this firsthand. I originally thought my experience was due to being an "alternative" educational program, but after meeting with university presidents around the nation these last months, it's clear that this is not an "alternative" problem, but just a problem. The inmates are running the asylum, even the elite ones, and not only do they have the keys, they've stolen all the meds too.
Many of you know me as the creator of MYX (Make Your Experience), the first hybrid rethink of higher education that leveraged technology to focus on real-world experience and community. Despite its potential, I've decided not to restart this venture even after being approached several times in recent months. And this has surprised many. I'm not one to give up on things, especially ones that better the world and offer real solutions to the educational crisis before us. It's assumed that I got tired of the uphill battle fighting archaic policy. And yes, battling the literal cartel of education, accreditation bodies, who decide what constitutes an education, and therefore, who receives never-ending funding from government loan programs was terrible, but this is not the reason I have passed.
I drew the line when I found myself fighting the children, my students, the very reason I got into this work.
I've learned that Gen Z is quick to sabotage even the hands that reach out to feed and love them. They're always looking for a way to play the victim rather than taking responsibility for their own lives. It's always someone else's fault.
This generation doesn't look into mirrors; they look into lenses, and these lenses have filters.
The result? A narrative of victimhood permeates everything from class attendance to campus culture. It's no longer about being sick and missing class; it's about being "triggered" by a text and not being able to mentally attend class for a week. And when these kids drop any hint of depression or anxiety, we (administrators) jump. Because if we don't, and something tragic happens, it's the school that will be held responsible. Litigation is a very real reality for all higher education institutions that have entire departments of lawyers focused 24/7 on this.
The daily reports of perceived aggression from college students on campuses are overwhelming and depressing. From harassment to rape, students file complaints daily. Even normal roommate issues escalate to potential lawsuits as students throw around litigious words. No longer is getting a room change the goal, but dismissal of your annoying roommate is the only way to win. Students complaining that they cannot coexist in the same "space." Since when did people own "space?"
I do want to harp on the allegations of sexual assault, as these are the most concerning and take up the most resources of a school. Administration meetings that should be focused on education are now only used to discuss the issues of the day, and sadly, rape and sexual allegations are not rare. Twenty-six percent of undergraduate females will report some sort of sexual assault during their time on campus, but less than 10% will file a police report (which is their choice). Leaving the university holding the investigations, taking not only resources but dealing with potential lawsuits from not just the alleged victim but also the alleged aggressor, as in my experience, half of these allegations are proven false.
This is Gen Z. And this is a fight I don't have in me.
I will fight for every child's right to an education, but I will not fight the children themselves.
I assumed that the big universities, with their multi-million dollar endowments, were immune. That they held all the power. But I was wrong. They, too, have lost control. They too govern in fear.
So, if you're wondering what's happening at college universities, why it has gotten so out of control, and where the leadership is, you now have your answer. The leadership is hiding. The leadership is scared. They have zero control over the now angry masses on their campuses. Fearful of angering the mob more.
However, let me be clear, it is essential that these leaders find their voices quickly and not allow fear to rule them. Unlike MYX, you do have the accreditation bodies in your pockets, you have lobbyists, and millions. Do your jobs! Grab those keys back, find the stolen meds, (take a pill yourself), and kick out these students. Start taking control and put the inmates back into the classroom where not only they belong, but they will thrive.
Komentáře