View from Venus

7.8 The Future of Academic Freedom with Jennifer Ruth

Episode Summary

In this week's episode, guest expert, Jennifer Ruth, Professor of Film at Portland State University in Portland Oregon, frequent contributor at the Academe blog, and co-author of It’s Not Free Speech: Race, Democracy, and the Future of Academic Freedom, joins us to talk about academic freedom, the rise of fascism on our campuses, and the consequences of speaking up in the academy. Feel free to share your thoughts and responses with us on Instagram or Facebook and tag us @university_of_venus on IG or post it on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/UVenus/ and we will share and amplify! Find University of Venus on Instagram @university_of_venus and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/UVenus/

Episode Notes

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

• Jennifer's new co-authored book, It’s Not Free Speech: Race, Democracy, and the Future of Academic Freedom.
• Motivation for writing the book and thoughts on its reception.
• Writing for the Academe blog.
• Fascism in higher ed.
• Ron DeSantis and higher ed. 
• Activism and the consequences of speaking up (or not) in the academy. 

Resources Discussed in this Episode:

• Jennifer Ruth at Portland State
• Jennifer's website
• Jennifer's new co-authored book, It's Not Free Speech: Race, Democracy, and the Future of Academic Freedom
• Jennifer's writing at the Academe blog
• “Florida Bill Would Destroy Higher Education as We Know It”

Music Credits: Magic by Six Umbrellas

Sound Engineer: Ernesto Valencia