Evergreen State College: Social Justice Undermines Free Speech
Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, faced a significant controversy in 2017, seen as a perfect storm of campus politics, administrative decisions, and student activism gone awry. In this notorious story, the degradation and violence were incited by the Evergreen Anti-Fascist Community Defense Network.
Background and Catalyst
The spark for the events at Evergreen was the alteration of the college’s long-standing “Day of Absence.” Traditionally, this event involved students of colour voluntarily absenting themselves from campus to highlight their contributions and the impact of their absence. In 2017, however, the event was modified to request that white students and faculty stay off campus instead.
The Controversy Unfolds
This change did not sit well with everyone. Bret Weinstein, a biology professor, publicly objected to the event’s new format. He argued that it was a form of coercion and racial segregation. His dissent was not received well by many students, leading to protests and significant unrest on campus.
The whole thing was a mess, and it left a lot of people wondering about the state of free speech and racial equity on college campuses.
The Protests
The student protests at Evergreen were a manifestation of a generation encouraged to see themselves as victims and to express outrage at perceived injustices. The protests quickly escalated. Students demanded the resignation of Weinstein and called for numerous institutional changes, including mandatory sensitivity training and other diversity measures.
Administrative Response
The administration’s response was widely seen as ineffectual. College President George Bridges was perceived as capitulating to student demands without adequately addressing the concerns of faculty and other students. This response can be viewed as the administration pandering to the loudest voices, regardless of whether their demands were reasonable or actionable.
Broader Implications
The events at Evergreen were widely publicised and often cited as an example of the excesses of modern campus activism. Critics argued that the situation exemplified how institutions of higher learning were becoming more focused on social justice issues at the expense of free speech and academic freedom.
Media and Public Reaction
The media coverage of the Evergreen incident was intense and polarising. Some outlets depicted the students as valiant crusaders for social justice, while others painted them as petulant and unreasonable. The media exploited the situation to drive sensationalist narratives, contributing to the polarisation of public opinion on higher education and free speech.
Fallout
In the aftermath, Evergreen experienced a significant decline in enrolment, which some might attribute to the college being seen as a hostile environment for free expression. Weinstein eventually resigned and settled with the college, further fuelling the narrative that dissenting views were not welcome.
Conclusion
The events at Evergreen State College represent a microcosm of broader societal trends. They highlight the tensions between free speech and social justice activism, the failures of administrative leadership, and the role of media in shaping public perception. This incident is often used to argue that universities are becoming ideological echo chambers, prioritising identity politics over robust academic discourse.
