The Lost Promise: Ellen Schrecker's Exploration of 1960s Higher Education and Its Ongoing Relevance Today

Ellen Schrecker, renowned historian of American higher education and McCarthyism, has once again delved into the past with her latest book, "The Lost Promise: American Universities in the 1960s" (University of Chicago Press, 2021).

In this compelling work, Schrecker explores the tumultuous events of the 1960s, ranging from anti-Vietnam War protests to struggles against racial inequality, and their profound impact on college campuses. What makes this exploration particularly timely is its reflection on the demonization of higher education by the political right-a phenomenon that echoes in contemporary debates.

Beginning the Journey in 2010

Schrecker's journey into the heart of 1960s academia began in 2010, a period long before the recent upheavals in campus politics and the threats to free speech that have dominated headlines.

Driven by a quest for her "next big project" and inspired by her late husband's illness, Schrecker undertook extensive research, conducting countless oral histories and immersing herself in letters, memoirs, and other primary documents. The result is a meticulously crafted narrative that transcends the simplistic portrayal of the 1960s university as a hotbed of unrestrained rebellion.

Approaching the topic as an observer rather than a participant in the 1960s movements, Schrecker, a faculty wife and Ph.D. student at the time, presents a nuanced perspective. Her work challenges popular stereotypes by revealing the complex interplay of forces within colleges and universities.

Robin D.G. Kelley, a historian at UCLA, notes that "The Lost Promise" debunks the simplistic image of the era, showcasing deep struggles over critical issues such as war, corporate power, democracy, race, and sex.

The Nuances of Faculty Engagement

One of Schrecker's central achievements is highlighting the diversity of thought and action within academic circles during the 1960s. Despite the common perception of academia as overwhelmingly left-leaning, her narrative unveils the multifaceted nature of faculty engagement with the pressing issues of the time. Professors from various political leanings found themselves under attack, illustrating the intense battles over the very purpose of the university.

In the eyes of Schrecker and Kelley, the themes explored in "The Lost Promise" continue to reverberate in contemporary discussions about higher education. The fundamental questions about what can be taught, academic freedom, free speech, access, and the rising cost of education, which were central in the 1960s, remain contested today. Schrecker's meticulous examination of this pivotal era provides essential context for understanding the ongoing challenges faced by modern universities.

Echoes of the Past in Contemporary Debates

As an active member of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), an organization fervently dedicated to safeguarding faculty tenure and academic freedom, Schrecker underscores the enduring value of academic freedom in teaching and research. She presents compelling evidence of its consistent attack from various quarters, recounting stories of professors who faced job loss or threats for speaking out on issues ranging from war to racism and the corporatization of higher education.

For Schrecker, academic freedom stands as the lifeblood of the university, essential for the intellectual work that drives higher education and inspires the next generation of thinkers and innovators. Her narrative underscores the vital role of rigorous debate and intellectual disagreement at the core of university life. Through her exploration of the 1960s, she warns against attempts, whether from the left or the right, to stifle such debates, emphasizing their detrimental impact on both universities and the nation at large.

"The Lost Promise" not only serves as a historical exploration but also prompts a critical reflection on the challenges facing contemporary higher education. Schrecker's insights are a call to action, urging academia to protect its foundational principles and navigate the delicate balance between intellectual diversity and the pursuit of knowledge. In a world where the promises of the past are still echoing in our present, Schrecker's work becomes a guide for understanding the complexities of the educational landscape and the ongoing struggles to fulfill its promise.