Racial, Ethnic, Gender and Diversity Universities.

Differences Between the Left and Conservatives Part II

Racial, ethnic, gender and diversity universities.

The left views race, ethnicity, gender, and diversity as essential components of a university environment, aiming to ensure representation and inclusion of historically marginalized groups. They believe this focus leads to a richer educational experience and greater social equity. In contrast, conservatives argue that intellectual and ideological diversity are more important. They believe universities should prioritize a wide range of viewpoints, merit, critical thinking, and open debate over DEI quotas.

The left often emphasizes non-ideological diversity at universities, but this can lead to controversy when speakers or professors with differing views face protests. Even tenured professors have had their classes disrupted by students, sometimes with encouragement from far-left administrators, for expressing opinions seen as a threat to campus orthodoxy. A notable example is Bret Weinstein at Evergreen State College. In 2017, the college’s annual Day of Absence shifted from inviting non-white staff and students to voluntarily stay off campus, to “asking” white people to stay away for the day. Weinstein objected to this change in a campus email, arguing there is a crucial difference between allowing people to step away because of their race and telling people they must stay away. His objection led to widespread student protests and confrontations, including students entering his class and demanding his resignation.

Conservatives argue that to be competitive in the workforce, students should be judged on their ideas, ethics, and abilities—not their race or gender. They believe universities best prepare students for real-world challenges by fostering independent thought, open debate, and engagement with enduring wisdom, rather than focusing primarily on identity politics.