Podcast Summary
A Chaotic Incident at Evergreen College and Its True Intentions: Evergreen College faced a public collapse due to protests turning into riots, but its true intentions were to create a more inclusive learning environment, focusing on people's goals rather than superficial characteristics.
Evergreen College, which was founded in the late 1960s with a mission to challenge the traditional model of higher education, faced a public collapse in 2017 when protests turned into riots. The incident, which received widespread attention, overshadowed the true nature of the school and its attempt to create an inclusive learning environment. Despite some arguing that this was the inevitable end of any institution that had broken the rules of the status quo, Evergreen's faculty and students argue that it was preventable. The school, which aimed to instantiate a Star Trek model of getting along, managed to look past people's superficial characteristics and focus on a larger goal. One of the founding faculty members, who passed away last month, embodied Evergreen's potential for innovation and interaction. The incident was a vignette of chaos, but it did not represent the true essence of Evergreen, which was an attempt to create a more nuanced and inclusive learning environment.
Remembering Steve Herman: A Remarkable Educator and Mentor at Evergreen College: Steve Herman, an expert ornithologist and mentor, deeply influenced students at Evergreen College with his unique teaching style and passion for nature.
Steve Herman, an early faculty member at Evergreen College who passed away recently, was a remarkable educator, naturalist, and mentor, particularly known for his expertise in ornithology. His students deeply admired him, and his teaching complemented what they learned from their professors during the academic year. Steve also shared Evergreen's vision of creating a unique learning environment and even considered starting his own college within the institution. Despite having a reputation for being difficult and cantankerous, Steve was actually intolerant of bullshit and appreciated honest feedback. A memorable moment with Steve was during a camping trip to Navapatia, Mexico, where he shared stories around a campfire with students and faculty. Steve's legacy continues to inspire and influence the Evergreen community.
Evergreen College Crisis Reveals Character of Individuals: During a crisis, the importance of courage and resilience is highlighted. Some individuals stood up for Evergreen College, while others remained silent or made things worse. The college's lack of selectivity led to a diverse student body, with some possessing deep critical thinking abilities despite past failures.
That during the crisis at Evergreen College in 2017, the character of individuals was revealed for better and worse. While some faculty were silent or worse, surprising emeritus professors and even students stood up to support the college. The lack of selectivity in the college led to two distinct populations: those who attended as a last resort and lacked necessary skills, and a population of misfits and unusual individuals. Among these students, many had been failed by their previous schools but possessed deep critical thinking abilities. The crisis highlighted the importance of courage and resilience in the face of adversity, and the need for individuals to stand up for what they believe in, regardless of their position or status within an institution.
Building a high-caliber community at a less prestigious college: Utilize academic fairs to interview professors and potential students, discourage non-motivated individuals, welcome 'drop-ins', and foster a strong student body to create a delightful teaching environment
During their time at a less prestigious college, the speakers built a high-caliber community of students by utilizing academic fairs to interview professors and potential students. This process allowed them to discourage those who wouldn't be a good fit and encourage those who would, resulting in a room full of motivated individuals. They also welcomed past students, or "drop-ins," who wanted to continue learning and contributed to the ongoing conversation. This created a delightful teaching environment for the speakers, shielding them from the larger college's descent into chaos, although they were eventually forced to acknowledge the issues. This innovative approach to community-building within a less prestigious institution highlights the importance of selecting and fostering a strong student body, regardless of the college's reputation.
Creating Affordable Study Abroad Opportunities: Heather expanded access to study abroad programs by making them affordable and offering an exceptional educational experience, allowing a diverse range of students to explore new cultures and habitats.
Heather created affordable, intensive study abroad programs at Evergreen College, which allowed a diverse range of students to participate who otherwise couldn't afford it. These programs were not only inexpensive but also provided an exceptional educational experience. The students and professors spent 11 weeks in Ecuador, exploring various habitats and cultures while teaching topics like paleoanthropology, evolutionary ecology, and cultural history. One memorable moment was when students encountered the headwaters of the Amazon, an experience that left them excited and connected to the natural world. This image of students standing at the Amazon's source is a testament to the transformative power of Evergreen's study abroad programs when they were at their best.
Cultural immersion and personal growth: Through experiencing new traditions and supporting diverse communities, we learn to respect and empathize with others, fostering personal growth and understanding.
During a cultural immersion trip to Ecuador, the group participated in the local tradition of running around covered in foam on the night before Carnival. This experience served as a valuable lesson in understanding and respecting different cultures. However, the trip also included a visit to a hat collective and Cajas National Park. Unbeknownst to the group, a student named Odette had experienced a traumatic event three years prior during a protest at Evergreen College. She shared her account of the event, which included being targeted and harassed due to her race. This revelation was shocking to the group, emphasizing the importance of empathy and open-mindedness in the face of difference and adversity. Despite the challenges, Odette's resilience and determination to think for herself served as an inspiration.
Embracing Diversity: Odette's Journey: Fostering genuine relationships and providing opportunities for students to explore their interests leads to a rich and fulfilling college experience, regardless of one's diverse identities.
Odette, a remarkable student and friend, defied labels and stereotypes. Her multifaceted identity as a scientist, ballerina, writer, artist, and brilliant scholar did not confine her to any one category. Instead, she embraced various aspects of her being and formed meaningful connections with her professors and peers at Evergreen College. Odette's trust in her teachers paid off as she thrived in their unique educational model. Her story highlights the importance of fostering genuine relationships and providing opportunities for students to explore their interests, ultimately leading to a rich and fulfilling college experience. From mud fights in the Amazon to deep conversations on campus, Odette's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the value of embracing diversity.
The Evergreen College crisis revealed true characters: Unexpected allies and extreme views emerged during the Evergreen College crisis, emphasizing the importance of not judging based on normal behavior and being prepared for unexpected actions.
The Evergreen College crisis revealed the true characters of individuals during a time of chaos and conflict. The confrontation between Odette, a science-oriented student, and those who accused her of being a race traitor, highlights the confusion and dangerous implications of the new intersectional ideology. This was contrasted with the civil rights movement's focus on objective truth and empowerment. Alan Nassar, an unexpected ally, stood up for truth and reason, showing that people may surprise you during a crisis. Behind the scenes, students and faculty expressed extreme views, with Mike Penhaligon threatening to not recruit future students due to perceived racism, and Stephen Flusty using inflammatory language. These incidents underscore the importance of not assuming someone's character based on their normal behavior and being prepared for unexpected actions during times of crisis.
Evergreen College Controversy: Free Speech vs. Social Justice: The Evergreen College controversy highlighted the tension between free speech and social justice, with some prioritizing the former and others the latter, ultimately leading to a decline in the college's reputation.
The Evergreen College controversy was a highly charged environment where issues of race, power, and free speech collided. The professor in question, Bret Weinstein, spoke out against a proposed diversity day that he believed would discriminate against white students. In response, he faced intense backlash from students and faculty, who accused him of being racist and insensitive. The situation escalated, with some calling for his removal from the college and even threatening violence against him and his partner. Despite the pressure, Weinstein continued to speak out, leading a small group of faculty members in resistance. The incident exposed deep divisions within the college community, with some prioritizing social justice over free speech and others prioritizing the search for truth. The controversy ultimately led to the college's decline, with many questioning the value of an education that prioritizes identity politics over intellectual inquiry. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of silencing dissenting voices and the importance of upholding free speech and academic freedom.
University President's Actions Ignite Campus Unrest: University presidents' decisions can have unintended consequences, and it's crucial to consider the motivations of all involved to avoid being manipulated by self-interested individuals
During a university president's tenure, there were student activists pushing for change, but their efforts were held at bay by the previous president. When the current president, George Bridges, came into power, he made decisions that empowered the activists, leading to significant campus unrest. The students were easy to blame, but they were not the central players in the story. Instead, Bridges' actions and the presence of individuals acting in their own self-interest contributed to the situation. It's important to remember that most people may not fully understand the consequences of their actions, but assuming everyone is acting in good faith can make one vulnerable to manipulation by those with malicious intentions.
The belief in inherent trust and humanity during Evergreen protests was flawed: The Evergreen College crisis highlighted the importance of genuine belief in individuals' humanity and effective communication to prevent tense environments and potential consequences.
During the Evergreen protests in 2016-2017, there was a widespread belief that all students and people of color should be trusted inherently. However, this belief was flawed, as any demographic, including faculty, should not be assumed to be truth-seeking or lovable based on their demographic alone. At Evergreen College, some faculty failed to believe in the fundamental humanity of their students or communicate effectively, leading to a tense environment. The college's handling of the situation, including allowing George Bridges to retire with praise despite his controversial actions, raised questions about the institution's priorities and its ability to acknowledge its mistakes. The crisis at Evergreen College revealed the importance of genuine belief in the humanity of individuals and effective communication, as well as the potential consequences of failing to uphold these values.
Overwhelming support from unknown individuals during Evergreen College protests: During the Evergreen College protests, the community received unexpected support from various individuals, helping them to keep going and emphasizing the importance of open communication and community during crises.
During the Evergreen College protests in 2017, the community received an overwhelming amount of support from previously unknown individuals. These individuals reached out via emails, expressing their concern and support for the situation at the college. Some were alumni, others were staff members, and many were from various backgrounds and demographics. This outpouring of support helped the community to keep going during a difficult time and showed that there were many people who shared their values and beliefs. Additionally, the incident highlighted the importance of open communication and the power of community in times of crisis. It also served as a reminder that there are often more people who share similar views than one might think, and that it's important to reach out and connect with them. The support received was a testament to the resilience and strength of the community and helped to keep the fight for free speech and academic freedom alive.
Exploring alternative teaching methods: Traditional teaching methods may not be sustainable or authentic for some educators, but alternative methods like observation, serendipity, and subversive teaching can be effective in the long run.
The traditional teaching methods in the US education system may not be sustainable or authentic for some educators, leading them to feel constrained or even compelled to lie or endure unfavorable situations. However, Holly Mathnerd's question may not have a straightforward answer, as the educational landscape is evolving, and alternative methods of teaching, such as observation and leaving room for serendipity, may be more effective in the long run. Furthermore, many societies throughout history have relied on informal learning, and the current formal instruction system is a relatively new concept. During times of upheaval, such as the Evergreen riots, subversive methods like assigning thought-provoking literature or music can be effective in teaching valuable lessons. Ultimately, educators must consider alternative ways to impart knowledge while staying true to their values and beliefs.
Personal and professional growth at Evergreen: Evergreen offers unique opportunities for deep connections with students, socioeconomic diversity, and the ability to teach critical thinking skills, despite sacrifices in research and salary.
Evergreen, despite being a unique institution with its own challenges, provided valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. The speaker emphasized the importance of the educational environment, which allowed for socioeconomic diversity and the ability to teach students how to think. The long-term programs enabled deep connections with students, creating a community unlike any other. Although there were sacrifices, such as research opportunities and a lower salary compared to more prestigious institutions, the speaker felt that the impact on students' lives outweighed the drawbacks. The sudden passing of faculty member Cabby Mitchell served as a reminder of the emotional energy and impact that education can have on individuals. Despite the challenges, the speaker expressed gratitude for the experience and the positive impact it had on many lives.
A contentious campus environment after the death of a beloved but divisive faculty member: Despite differences, a faculty member's passing reminded everyone of the importance of reason and dialogue in addressing conflicts.
The untimely death of a faculty member named Cabbie, who was well-liked by some but not all, led to a contentious campus environment. Cabbie, a big and friendly black man who didn't fit the typical dancer stereotype, had kept a serious health condition private. After his death, some faculty members tried to use his passing as a banner for their activism, which upset others. The speaker, who had been friendly with Cabbie, expressed fondness for him in an email, leading to backlash. This incident escalated into a larger conflict, with the speaker taking a stand against what they saw as divisive activism during a faculty meeting. Cabbie, who was confused by the unfolding events, approached the speaker after the meeting to discuss his concerns. Despite the heated campus climate, Cabbie's approach to the speaker showed that he valued reason and dialogue, and his passing was a loss for the entire community.
Evergreen State College Controversy: Free Speech vs. Civil Rights: The Evergreen State College controversy highlighted the importance of open dialogue and the potential consequences of not addressing internal conflicts, resulting in damage to the college's reputation and concerns about its future.
The Evergreen State College controversy, which began with a request for no-platforming a controversial speaker, escalated into a heated debate over free speech and civil rights. The situation led to widespread unrest on campus, with administrators and students holding opposing views. The controversy resulted in significant damage to the college's reputation and raised concerns about its ability to address internal issues. Despite efforts from some to bring together opposing sides and find common ground, the administration refused to acknowledge mistakes and instead doubled down on their stance. The college, once known for its progressive values, is now seen as a shadow of its former self by some, and there are concerns about its future. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of open dialogue and the potential consequences of not addressing internal conflicts.
A missed opportunity for meaningful conversation: Speakers believed negotiations could've led to viable solutions and new education models, but simplistic arguments derailed progress, leaving confusion and delusional proposals.
The Evergreen conference controversy was a missed opportunity for meaningful conversation and progress. The speakers believed that if the negotiations had taken a different turn, they could have explored viable solutions to the grievances at hand and even introduced new models for education. Instead, simplistic arguments derailed the conversation, leaving room for confusion and the perpetuation of delusional proposals. The podcast mentioned in the discussion is just one piece of a larger effort to generate meaningful conversations and discover new ways to function better as a society. The speakers identify as progressives, not because they own the "madness" that sometimes comes with progress, but because they believe progress is necessary for survival. Their upcoming book, "A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century," is an attempt to introduce new ideas and address societal choices that will allow more people to enjoy the planet for generations to come. In essence, the speakers are committed to threading the needle and finding non-delusional solutions that make us better and safer.
Learning from students refines research: Engaging with undergraduates in research can help researchers avoid intellectual dead ends and maintain relevance to practical applications.
Research and teaching in higher education should not be separated. The speakers shared their personal experiences of how their understanding and research were refined through interactions with students. They argued that teaching would become less effective without a direct connection to research, and researchers might become more arrogant and disconnected from the real world. An advisor's advice to engage with undergraduates was emphasized as a way to avoid intellectual dead ends. Both research and teaching have issues, but separating them could lead to a loss of relevance for undergraduates and a disconnect between researchers and the practical applications of their work.
Exploring the need for a more effective education system: The speaker advocates for a more hands-on, experiential approach to education and challenges the current self-preservation model, reflecting on the importance of continuous learning and individual responsibility in shaping educational environments.
The education system, as it currently exists, may be outdated and in need of a more enlightened approach. The speaker expresses concerns about the self-preservation mode of the current model and the need for a new, more effective way of accomplishing its goals. Additionally, there's a debate about the separation of research and teaching, with the speaker suggesting that the ability to test hypotheses through hands-on experience, like autopsies in medicine, can lead to better learning and potential breakthroughs. The speaker also reflects on the events at Evergreen College in 2017 and shares that, despite facing a challenging situation, they felt a responsibility to try and guide those involved towards a better understanding. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of continuous learning, the value of hands-on experience, and the role of individuals in shaping educational environments.
A professor's commitment to questioning and reassessing: Professor Bret Weinstein's unwavering commitment to questioning and reassessing ideas, even in the face of intense opposition, demonstrates the importance of this trait in science and life.
Bret Weinstein, a professor at Evergreen College, is known for his deep introspection and constant reassessment of ideas, even in the face of intense opposition. He spends a significant amount of time off-camera, considering alternative scenarios and questioning his own conclusions. This unwavering commitment to questioning and reassessing made it impossible for his students to doubt his intentions, as they had known him for years. Despite the intense pressure and vitriolic anger towards him during a campus protest, he remained calm and resolved. The students, who had expected a mass exodus due to the power of the accusations, were surprised to find that not a single one questioned his integrity. This constant reassessment and questioning is a hallmark of good science and a good life, and Weinstein demonstrates this to an extraordinary degree.
Students' unexpected reactions to professor's email: Professor's email intended as humor led to student anger and rejection, highlighting the importance of considering audience reactions and avoiding accusatory language.
The anger and rejection from students towards a professor's email, which was intended to be humorous, was unexpected. The students saw it as an accusation and felt disrespected. The professor did not anticipate their reaction and was heartened when the situation unfolded as she had expected. However, she expressed frustration with the possibility that Evergreen College may try to blame the COVID-19 crisis for its financial struggles, instead of acknowledging the role of past events. The professor also shared that she values the deep connections formed in a full-time classroom setting and would consider returning to teaching under the right opportunity, but not in its current form. Regarding the past, she believes that had they not hired George Bridges, the catastrophe at Evergreen could have been prevented.
Navigating Emotions after a Job Loss: Losing a job can bring about a mix of emotions, but finding support and recognizing new opportunities can lead to growth and resilience.
The loss of a job or a workplace environment can bring about a mix of emotions, including loss, relief, and even unexpected opportunities. The speaker in this conversation had experienced a traumatic departure from Evergreen College, feeling a deep sense of loss and betrayal. However, they also recognized the reassuring presence of new allies and the possibility of new opportunities that emerged from the situation. The speaker had valued loyalty and recognition from their workplace, and the way they were treated in the end was a shock. Despite the negative experience, they found solace in the support of students and the realization that they had been living on borrowed time. The conversation underscores the complexity of emotions that come with loss and the importance of finding meaning and growth in difficult situations.
Effective leadership and administrative support crucial in preventing crises: Having an administration that supports education and stands up against opposing forces is essential for a positive educational environment
Effective leadership and administrative support are crucial in preventing crises in educational institutions. The speaker shared their experience at Evergreen, where they believe the provost could have prevented the escalating situation, but was unable to do so. They also highlighted the importance of showcasing the richness and possibilities of education, which was thwarted when an intended gallery exhibit was blocked. The Chicago principles, while a step in the right direction, may not be enough to stand up against opposing forces. Ultimately, having an administration that has your back is essential in fostering a positive educational environment. The loss of this exhibit was a significant move that erased potential growth and learning opportunities from the institution's history.
Recognizing Individual Student Successes: Acknowledging unique potential and treating individuals with respect can counter harmful stereotypes and promote a more inclusive society.
The display of what is possible in education can be a powerful counter to harmful stereotypes and bigotry. The speaker, a former professor at Evergreen State College, shared how efforts to showcase individual student successes were met with resistance, leading to the college's eventual demise. Despite the personal and communal losses, recognizing the potential of students like Odette serves as a reminder of the importance of treating each individual as unique and deserving of respect. The speaker hopes that acknowledging these stories will help prevent the spread of harmful narratives and bring about a more enlightened future. Ultimately, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the humanity and potential of all individuals, especially those who have been marginalized, in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
