Stop the Statement Wars

Michael Hemesath, professor of economics at Carleton College (MN) and president emeritus of Saint John’s University (MN), writes:  Public events are almost always a concern to those in higher education. Educational communities are filled with curious, thoughtful and engaged people, and, of course, our educational mission calls upon us to be engaged with the world. Yet exactly how that engagement can and should manifest itself is occasionally complicated and fraught, as recent events have demonstrated. Responses and reactions to national and world events from public figures and political leaders are understandable and a required part of their job description. Despite a less public role and often no formal requirement for external engagement, educational institutions and their leaders often feel called to take political positions or engage in public policy debates.