26. The Art of Disagreement and Navigating Political Pressures: A Conversation with John D. Inazu

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. John Inazu discusses the critical themes of pluralism and disagreement within the context of higher education. He emphasizes the importance of teaching students how to engage with differing viewpoints and the necessity of building trust within academic communities. The discussion also touches on the political pressures faced by universities, the impact of federal funding, and the challenges posed by DEI initiatives. Dr. Inazu advocates for a proactive approach to fostering pluralism and suggests practical steps for provosts to create a culture of constructive disagreement.

Takeaways

• Pluralism is essential for a healthy democracy.
• Disagreement should be taught as a skill in education.
• Trust is foundational for meaningful dialogue.
• Universities must clarify their mission to foster pluralism.
• Small seminar settings are ideal for teaching disagreement.