Is there a middle way when it comes to higher education, free speech, equity, and culture? William Egginton believes there is. In this thoughtful and intriguing book he outlines what that middle should have as a starting point. Advocating that colleges and universities should not facilitate "safe spaces", but in fact should be the exact opposite of a "safe space" - but still teaching lessons of compassion, engagement, equity, and dialogue. The mechanism Egginton recommends for this is a strong grounding in the liberal arts - and this book provides one of the more detailed and most convincing arguments for the value of liberal arts in our education systems. However, this argument will most likely fall on many deaf ears as there are large populations who believe this type of education should not be coming from educational (particularly government funded educational) institutions - but instead should happen in the home, the community, and the church. As a result of this, Egginton's book will be another hymnal for the choir, and will not cross the aisle. But, there can still be value in this - as many in higher ed are actively working against the liberal arts (either explicitly or implicitly) - getting the choir singing the same tune can be hugely beneficial. If you value education, civics, liberal arts, free speech, or contemporary culture this book is strongly recommended. And if you want to learn more about the value of liberal arts check out the Associate of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) LEAP program: https://www.aacu.org/leap

I can understand the arguments put forth in the book and agree with them to a point. I was a history major in college- American mostly, but also studied Middle East, Russian, and Japan, among others. Most history majors I know did the same- picked on area of study, but also checked out others. When My daughters generation got to college, it started to change in ways that made sense to me. Some foreign students objected to being required to take history classes that didn't apply to themselves. Why should they be forced to take some class if Their specific history wasn't being taught? The college exempted them. I guess the mid to late 90's were the beginning of students determining the curriculum taught in college, By, maybe ten years ago, students determined what professors could teach in any given class- spoiler alerts for the sensitive so they wouldn't be traumatized by course content( really?? in college??) And who visited or lectured as a guest speaker at their college (boo and drown out the objectionable.) I'm glad I'm no longer in college see little point in gong back when I retire if that's what colleges have become. Maybe colleges should just shut their doors and NO BODY goes anymore. It's become closed minded and ugly.
Great read and brought up lots of points I hadn't given thought to. Enlighted and educated minds will want to read it and weep.
Kudos Egginton! Great book!

I was surprised, by the relatively small tome of only 272 pages. Still the author brings to light very good questions without so many answers on what is looming as a larger and larger decision point in America; "How far do you go for the few at the expense of the many"?