Prof. Suzanna Sherry discusses the evolution of Critical Race Theory and its implications for antisemitism, the resurgence of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and the impact of social media on academic discourse. She explores the tension between university policies and campus culture regarding free speech, the influence of political climates on academic freedom, and the challenges of maintaining ideological neutrality in education. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability in academic practices and the importance of fostering a culture of open dialogue in universities. About the Guest Suzanna Sherry is Professor Emerita and former Herman O. Loewenstein Chair in Law at Vanderbilt University Law School. A nationally recognized scholar of constitutional law, federal courts, and judicial decision-making, she has authored over a hundred books, chapters, and articles exploring the role of courts, federalism, and the limits of ideology in the legal system. Before joining Vanderbilt in 2000, she taught at the University of Minnesota Law School and previously practiced law in Washington, D.C., after clerking on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Known for her rigorous teaching and clear-sighted analysis of the Constitution, Professor Sherry retired from Vanderbilt in 2022 after a distinguished four-decade career shaping legal thought and education
00:00 The Origins of Critical Race Theory and Antisemitism
02:58 The Resurgence of Critical Race Theory and DEI
05:58 The Impact of Social Movements on Racial Discourse
08:59 The Orthodoxy of DEI and Its Implications
11:57 The Conflict Between Free Speech and Campus Culture
14:59 The Role of Political Climate in Academic Freedom
17:58 The Dangers of Blunt Political Interventions
20:53 Navigating the Future of University Discourse
25:32 The Impact of Educational Policies on Racism and History
28:12 Navigating Free Speech in Universities
29:08 The Role of Universities in Promoting Free Speech
31:43 Challenges of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives
34:34 The Complexity of Teaching Civic Values in K-12 Education
36:22 Institutional Neutrality and Ideological Bias in Education
39:09 Balancing Free Expression and Academic Freedom
42:00 Addressing Academic Malpractice and Orthodoxy
45:51 The Dangers of Imposing Orthodoxy in Antisemitism Education