I hope readers have been following my series of op-eds on the challenges facing higher education in Mississippi. This is the final installment. For those who haven’t read the earlier arguments, let me briefly summarize.
First, the most common criticism of higher education is that it indoctrinates students. In reality, it does the opposite: it challenges assumptions, broadens perspectives, and teaches students to think critically rather than simply accept a single worldview. Second, we must not allow politics to dictate what is taught in college classrooms. Once that door is opened, ideas on both sides of the political spectrum will inevitably be censored, leaving students with an incomplete education. Finally, if colleges and universities refuse to bow to political pressure, they risk losing significant state funding – a loss that will almost certainly translate into higher tuition and student debt.
These issues should concern not only educators, students, and parents, but all Mississippians. Higher education is one of the very few areas in which Mississippi does not rank near the bottom nationally. A key reason for this success is that, until now, our universities have remained largely free from political interference. Given the widespread lack of faith in politics and politicians at every level, few would believe that political control could improve higher education. In short, Mississippi’s higher education system is something we should all take pride in – and something we must work to keep free from political interference.
Moreover, higher education is not just a source of pride – it is a major driver of our economy. The state’s colleges and universities contribute $7 billion annually to the state’s economy and return $1.72 for every $1 of funding. That impact – and the contributions of all our colleges and universities – is at risk if political interference continues to grow.
Recent nationwide surveys make it clear students are increasingly factoring politics into their college decisions. According to Gallup, 76% of high school seniors say “divisive concepts” laws would influence where they choose to enroll. Similarly, the Art & Science Group found that 75% of liberal and 66% of conservative high school students plan to avoid certain states altogether because of their politics. With the number of high school graduates projected to decline over the next decade, Mississippi simply cannot afford to drive students away from our institutions.
Then there is the issue of “brain drain,” which occurs when the best and brightest Mississippians leave the state. I look forward to Mississippi Today releasing the results from their survey on this issue and encourage everyone to pay close attention to their findings. While I do not know what their data will show, I suspect two main factors will emerge: limited economic opportunities and the political climate.
In my view, the two are deeply connected. Creating an environment that is hostile to critical thinking and focused solely on applied skills will stunt economic growth. While trades such as plumbing and electrical work are essential to a functioning society, they alone will not expand our economy. Mississippi also needs people who can think creatively, anticipate future technological changes, and adapt to an ever-changing world.
In short, the health and future of our state depend on our ability to find a way of honoring our southern heritage while fostering an environment that cultivates innovation and forward thinking. The most efficient and cost-effective way to achieve that is by supporting higher education. Therefore, I ask all Mississippians to stand against the defunding and censoring of our colleges and universities. Our state’s future depends on it.
Dr. Raymond E. Barranco is professor of sociology at Mississippi State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from Louisiana State University, and his work has been published in multiple criminology and sociology journals. Dr. Barranco invites readers to send feedback and sociology-related questions you’d like him to address in this space to [email protected].
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