US Schools are a Disaster
I’ve taught in universities for over 30 years. The past 20 have been in a prestigious state university that values research.
It continues to raise the bar (using SATs and GREs) for students who are allowed to attend. I am against that, as I know that these stats discriminate against some groups of capable students. I once told our former president at a meeting, when she proudly announced this information about raised SAT scores for entrance, that she would not have allowed me into the university with my scores. And yet, I have been highly accomplished at the university.
I teach subjects that, were my Florida governor to really know what I teach, he would do all in his power to dismiss me. He hates immigrants; I teach global migration. He passes laws discriminating against LBGTQ+ people; I teach International Human Rights.
No big deal — I’m retiring in less than a year. What I will miss the most are the comments from students telling me that I opened their eyes to diverse perspectives and helped them make judgments based on research rather than hearsay.
I have an assignment in which they connect with a refugee or asylum seeker online through NaTakallam. Over 90% tell me it is the most important assignment they have had at university. It really bothers me that this assignment will go away when I retire.
