The role of colleges and universities in times of crisis

American colleges have long been viewed as a pillar of strength in our society, a symbol of opportunity, and a path toward social mobility. But what happens when that pillar abruptly flips upside down? Our country is facing two public health crises: COVID-19 and racism. Two crises, one moment in history.

So, what now? How are universities determining whether their campuses are safe to reopen in the fall? What role does higher education play in advancing civil rights? And what more needs to change in higher education to advance civil rights and make the promise of opportunity real for all students? To dig into these questions and more, Third Way's Senior Education Communications Manager Nicole Siegel hosted a virtual event featuring Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County for a conversation about what COVID-19 and the national focus on racism and oppression means for the future of colleges and universities.