“Did Anyone Check the Data? The Myths that Power Austerity at Public Universities” (Neil Kraus) and Spirited Conversations

Austerity — the perpetual, intentional defunding of public higher education — has become the default public policy in public higher education. As a result, public colleges and universities find themselves perpetually defending receiving any tax funding at all, and students ultimately pay the price in the form of increased costs. This talk will examine the assumptions and data of the current assault on higher education, including the skills gap and demographic crises, and find no support for either. To get beyond our current predicament, educators need to reclaim the many purposes of higher education based on the explicit recognition that we cannot control the labor market.

Join us for this virtual talk by Dr. Neil Kraus, author, economist, and professor at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Come in person to join the viewing party and enjoy light appetizers, a cash bar, and an opportunity for conversation following the talk. Or tune-in online via Zoom (link will be sent upon registration).

Sponsored by the Plymouth Union Caucus. Thank you!