The problem with collective action is extremely difficult. It seems to me the only way to achieve it is through unions like AAUP. I would like to think that we are in a better position at Princeton, but that could change so easily.
Yes, the potential for collective action is very much enhanced by standing organization. Unfortunately, many professors, including myself, didn't fully appreciate the relevance of such organization for our professional lives until recently.
Appreciate this post. As you possibly know, Stanford capitulated early and quickly, sacrificing the Internet Observatory to Jim Jordan before Trump was re-elected — and yes, people are pitted against each other and resentment grows quickly. This has always been a collective action problem.
Oh, how I hate to read this. My mind played tricks on me and at first, I thought the title was “Harvard is probably NOT going to cave.” You are correct, of course, in all your assessments. Capitulation will be a shame from which Harvard, and our society, may never recover. A stain that will last. And it might solve their problems for a few weeks, but then even greater demands will come.
Ryan. Higher ed has a massive collective action problem. And it’s up to faculty and staff everywhere in US higher ed to work together, with or without our institutional leaders, most of whom appear to be capitulating. Please join us at standtogetherhighered.org. We are building coalitions of Stand Together teams at campuses across the country. We are planning public storytelling campaigns, helping campuses build response infrastructure, preparing the ground for collective action, and supporting each other in all the ways we can devise together. Please sign up on homepage form.
Thank you. Harvard is more than a great if flawed institution. Its name means something to people around the world who yearn for education and freedom. Its good name is worth more than its vaunted endowment. If Harvard capitulates to Trump (which essentially means kicking women and Black people in the teeth), it means we have lost an essential battle with dictatorship. We're a great Democracy! We can't let this happen.
Not that I have experience in the realm, but it seems to me the key to solving the collective action problem is organization. Ms. Roberts Forde (http://standtogetherhighered.org) and others must come to the front and lead. It's in this awful crucible that leaders will be born and a movement established. Who will be the voice of the movement...now is the time for the most capable, the brightest and the most fed-up to find their voice and lead.
The problem with collective action is extremely difficult. It seems to me the only way to achieve it is through unions like AAUP. I would like to think that we are in a better position at Princeton, but that could change so easily.
Yes, the potential for collective action is very much enhanced by standing organization. Unfortunately, many professors, including myself, didn't fully appreciate the relevance of such organization for our professional lives until recently.
It's not to late to start! There will be ongoing challenges.
Appreciate this post. As you possibly know, Stanford capitulated early and quickly, sacrificing the Internet Observatory to Jim Jordan before Trump was re-elected — and yes, people are pitted against each other and resentment grows quickly. This has always been a collective action problem.
Oh, how I hate to read this. My mind played tricks on me and at first, I thought the title was “Harvard is probably NOT going to cave.” You are correct, of course, in all your assessments. Capitulation will be a shame from which Harvard, and our society, may never recover. A stain that will last. And it might solve their problems for a few weeks, but then even greater demands will come.
Thank for this spot-on analysis,
Ryan. Higher ed has a massive collective action problem. And it’s up to faculty and staff everywhere in US higher ed to work together, with or without our institutional leaders, most of whom appear to be capitulating. Please join us at standtogetherhighered.org. We are building coalitions of Stand Together teams at campuses across the country. We are planning public storytelling campaigns, helping campuses build response infrastructure, preparing the ground for collective action, and supporting each other in all the ways we can devise together. Please sign up on homepage form.
Remember the Milgram experiment.
When push comes to shove, very few do the right thing.
No, please stand firm against the pervert!
Thank you. Harvard is more than a great if flawed institution. Its name means something to people around the world who yearn for education and freedom. Its good name is worth more than its vaunted endowment. If Harvard capitulates to Trump (which essentially means kicking women and Black people in the teeth), it means we have lost an essential battle with dictatorship. We're a great Democracy! We can't let this happen.
Not that I have experience in the realm, but it seems to me the key to solving the collective action problem is organization. Ms. Roberts Forde (http://standtogetherhighered.org) and others must come to the front and lead. It's in this awful crucible that leaders will be born and a movement established. Who will be the voice of the movement...now is the time for the most capable, the brightest and the most fed-up to find their voice and lead.