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Universities—Analisis dan Komentar

Ohio National Guard soldiers move in on anti-war protesters at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, in May 1970. Four students were killed and nine wounded when National Guardsmen opened fire on the protesters. (AP Photo, File)

Cops on campus: Why police crackdowns on student protesters are so dangerous

Even if you disagree with their concerns or their tactics, students should not be penalized for thinking critically about world events and trying to bring about positive social change.
Anti-Vietnam War protests at the University of Sydney, 1969. Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and Courtesy SEARCH Foundation

Vietnam, brutalist architecture, fees and Gaza: how student protests shaped Australian universities

Australian universities have long been a site of protest. Today’s students join this legacy of activists who helped shape higher education and the Australian cultural landscape.
A student holds a ‘Free Palestine’ sign at a rally at the University of Texas April 24, 2024, in Austin, Texas, one of many gatherings following the arrest of more than 100 demonstrators at Columbia University protesting Israel’s war in Gaza. (Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman via AP)

As campus protests escalate surrounding the Israel-Gaza war, Ontario’s Bill 166 is not the answer

Ontario’s Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act threatens to undermine university autonomy, and could serve to censor critical thinking and dissent on campuses.
It’s important to understand both the possibilities and limitations of campus dialogue. A person walks past a board with the message ‘Free Palestine’ on the campus of Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, Feb. 7, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Middle East student dialogue: As an expert in deep conflict, what I’ve learned about making conversation possible

In 2015, I saw Jewish and Muslim students forge a set of group agreements so they could dialogue on the Middle East conflict. Initiatives like this or a ‘Semester in Dialogue’ program are promising.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith introduces legislation addressing agreements between the federal government and provincial entities in Edmonton on April 10, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson.

Alberta’s Bill 18: Who gets the most federal research funding? Danielle Smith might be surprised by what the data shows

The ideological war waged by Smith will only endanger high-quality research void of political interference from the government.
Culture and system changes take time and require resources. People seen walking on the University of British Columbia campus in Vancouver, B.C., in 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

How universities can move beyond a ‘diversity crisis’ mode of equity planning

Universities must not only invest in dedicated senior equity leader roles with specialized knowledge and expertise. They must also ensure these roles are resourced and empowered with authority.
Of the 7.7 million job openings forecast from 2022 to 2031, more than two-thirds are expected to require post-secondary education. (Shutterstock)

How ‘social financing’ could help fund higher education for under-represented students

Canada’s international student cap threatens inclusion in higher education, but social financing — a way for private capital to address social issues — can address this issue.
A growing gap exists between government and university policies or strategic priorities affirming the value of intercultural learning and the experiences of international students. People seen at the Winnipeg airport, June 6, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

5 ways to better build community with international students in Canada

Canada’s cap on international students should prompt universities and communities to identify better ways of engaging with international students on campuses and in broader community life.
SolStock/Getty Images

Universities Accord: there’s a push to increase Indigenous students and voices in higher education. But we need more detail and funding

The accord calls for meaningful steps to increase the numbers of Indigenous graduates and Indigenous leaders in higher education. In a post-referendum Australia, this is more important than ever.
Today’s undergraduates are plunged into a sea of texts, information and technology they have immense difficulty navigating, and artificial intelligence tools for writing aren’t the solution. (Piqsels)

Writing is a technology that restructures thought — and in an AI age, universities need to teach it more

Undergraduate writing courses are about learning to think, synthesize and judge the credibility of sources — and interact with an audience.