“Be very clear with eyes wide open as to what the public college experience looks like today for the average student”…Dr. Cy Smith
Recently we talked with Dr. Kevin Brown, President of Asbury University about education and the principles being taught in public institutions, and how students and families need to be paying attention to what schools believe, teach, and justify. The highlights of this conversation are discussed in the latest Extra Credit edition of the Clearly Christian podcast with Dr. Cy Smith.
Colleges and institutions typically want the student to learn to think for themselves, or at least they did. Now, there is a clear agenda targeting conservatives and Christians on campus, and commonly aimed at forcing beliefs and ideas on students that are not part of your family worldview.
Dr. Smith brings up three Chalkboard Points in the podcast, and they are important for you to know. Catch the podcast here, or keep reading.
Chalkboard Point #1: The contrast between public and private schools is stark and becoming clearer every day.
Just take a look at recent events that showcase the widening gap in worldviews in higher education. The controversy surrounding the support for Palestine at public universities, including Harvard, MIT, and Penn, raises questions about the enforcement of codes of conduct. The refusal to condemn genocide and hate speech on campuses reveals a significant disparity in values.
Similarly, at Michigan State University, where a professor's "rebellion community" requires students to pay a fee supporting radical left-wing causes, such as Planned Parenthood. Or, look to the investigation into the Kinsey Institute at the University of Indiana. You’ll find disturbing allegations of sexual abuse under the guise of research. These instances underscore the need for transparency and accountability within the public college experience.
Chalkboard Point #2: Generation Z is now in college and they are noticeably different than Generations Y and X.
Research indicates a notable shift in faith, with a significant number of Gen Z students abandoning their beliefs between the ages of 18 and 22. The rise of intellectual skepticism due to unanswered questions emerges as a primary reason for this trend. However, there is optimism as this generation, hungry for spiritual depth and belonging, shows potential for spiritual renewal.
Chalkboard Point #3: Effective leaders are going to need courage, commitment to their core values, and the capacity to change.
Leaders must grapple with the unprecedented pace of change, requiring courage, commitment to core values, and a willingness to change and to adapt. Waiting to respond to change is too late. Effective leaders must navigate uncharted territory, and stand up for what’s right, before society succeeds in changing the rules.
As the Clearly Christian podcast with Dr. Cy Smith reveals, higher education is undergoing a profound transformation. The contrasting ideologies, the evolving dynamics of Generation Z, and the demands on contemporary leaders underscore the need for families and educational leaders to Know More, so you can say “NO MORE” when you must.
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For more information about Dr. Cy Smith, the Clearly Christian Education movement, click on ClearlyChristianEducation.com. If you’d like to join the movement with partnership, funding resources, or ways to impact your own region's Christian Education opportunities, contact Dr. Smith today at 419-756-5651, ext. 218