Counterweight

In this timely episode, FAIR Executive Director Monica Harris, joined by Gabriel Nadales and Suzannah Alexander, examines the troubling rise of mandated ideological conformity across professional education programs with Zander Keig and Nafees Alam. Following FAIR's groundbreaking formal complaint to the Department of Education against CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs) for compelling students to adopt specific ideological positions on race and privilege, the panel explores how similar patterns of coerced belief systems have infiltrated social work, medical, legal, and K-12 education programs nationwide. The discussion delves into real-world consequences for students who face academic penalties for expressing dissenting views or religious beliefs that conflict with prescribed ideologies, while offering concrete strategies for promoting genuine viewpoint diversity and protecting students' constitutional rights. As the conversation unfolds, the panelists thoughtfully consider whether FAIR's approach to challenging CACREP could serve as a model for addressing ideological conformity enforced by other accrediting bodies, such as the CSWE (Council on Social Work Education), ultimately asking whether the time has come for a broader movement to restore intellectual freedom and critical thinking in professional education.Podcast notesFAIR is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing civil rights and liberties, and promoting a common culture grounded in fairness, understanding, and humanity. Check out FAIR at https://www.fairforall.org/ and their "American Experience Curriculum" at https://www.fairforall.org/american-experience-curriculum/

In this retrospective episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, co-hosts Chris and Joia reflect on their first year of discussions surrounding free speech. They highlight key themes such as the importance of education, the challenges of speaking out, and the diversity of perspectives among their guests. The conversation emphasizes the value of community and collaboration in advocating for free speech and hints at future plans for the podcast, including a new upcoming complementary podcast focused on free markets. Don't forget to subscribe to our Substack: https://philosophicalliberal.substack.com/

Podcast descriptionIn this week's episode clinical psychologist Patrick Lockwood joins Elizabeth for a discussion about why, despite all evidence to the contrary, beliefs in learning styles remain strong.  We talk about the psychological and institutional forces that promote the myth including the countless journal articles, opinion pieces and websites that make fuzzy suggestions about neuroscience and other vague claims few individual learners and teachers are capable of evaluating for accuracy.  Our desires for uniqueness, to blame forces outside our control when we perform at or below average, confirmation biases, and the ubiquitousness of the myth are just a few of the reasons we can perhaps forgive individuals for succumbing to the learning style grift.  More egregious is that institutions continue to cling to them.  Learning styles are actively taught to future teachers in schools of education, to students of all ages in K-12 classrooms, in tutoring centers, and of course, touted in online forums.  Patrick and Elizabeth share literature that debunks learning styles and  take the listener on a brief tour of learning habits and strategies that are supported by research.Podcast notesBrown SBRE (2023) The persistence of matching teaching and learning styles: A review of the ubiquity of this neuromyth, predictors of its endorsement, and recommendations to end it. Front. Educ. 8:1147498.  Link: Brown Myth of Learning StylesLink to University of Michigan Teaching and Technology summary: Myth of Learning StylesRohrer, D., & Pashler, H. (2012). Learning styles: Where's the evidence? Medical Education, 46, 34-35: Where's the Evidence?Dr. Lockwood has worked for non-profits, treatment centers, has trained with experts in the field of addiction treatment, and worked at every level of the mental health and addiction treatment industry for the past 15 years. He has a podcast on YouTube about topics related to mental health, wellness, psychology, and neuroscience.  He is the author of “The Fear Problem,” a book integrating the neuroscience and evolutionary psychology of our fear process to explain why we get triggered by politics and other “hot topics.” Currently Dr. Lockwood teaches at California Lutheran University and is the COO of Oak Forest Recovery Center. Patrick's website: https://www.lockwoodconsultingsolutions.com/Patrick's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DrPatrickLockwood His Twitter handle is @DoctorLockwood

In 2022 Counterweight, the organization that Helen Pluckrose founded and that was absorbed into the Institute for Liberal Values had a virtual conference on Alternatives to Diversity and Inclusion. Starting in 2025, we will be rolling out one talk a month that was presented at the conference. We sit down with the original presenters throughout 2025 to see what has changed since 2022. With Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives seemingly on the chopping block, we are curious to hear what our original participants are witnessing and experiencing on the ground. Is DEI really dead or just in remission? Are there healthy alternatives to DEI that we should consider, or do we throw the baby out with the bathwater and wipe our hands clean? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments.This month Jennifer Richmond interviews Brandy Shufutinsky.  In the update to her original talk on Liberal Approaches to Diversity and Inclusion, where she highlighted anti-black racism and antisemitism and the ties between the two, we explore what has changed since 2022, especially in light of the Oct 7 2023 massacre of Israeli citizens and the current conversations around Israel and Palestine. The “Global Intifada” is a strange marriage of Islamist and left-wing extremism, often called the red-green coalition. While it is often easy to spot extreme right-wing antisemitism, the red-green version of antisemitism is often unacknowledged. This does not result in the proliferation of diversity and inclusion but rather an erasure of history and the erosion of common values.Podcast Notes:A Woke Right Keeps the Pendulum Swinging, Dmitri Shufutinsky https://whiterosemagazine.com/a-woke-right-keeps-the-pendulum-swinging/Whiteshift: Populism, Immigration and the Future of White Minorities, Eric Kaufmann https://www.amazon.com/Whiteshift-Populism-Immigration-Future-Majorities/dp/1468316974Vatican nativity scene showing baby Jesus on a keffiyeh removed after backlash https://www.timesofisrael.com/vatican-nativity-scene-showing-baby-jesus-on-a-keffiyeh-removed-after-backlash/

In this episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, Chris and Joia engage with Arnold Cantú, a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, discussing the critical role of free speech in academia and education. Arnold shares his personal experiences as a Colorado State University doctoral student, where he faced challenges to his beliefs and values from faculty. The conversation explores the importance of moral courage, the need for open dialogue in educational settings, and the impact of these experiences on Arnold's professional practice in mental health. Discover more about Arnold's academic work at:  https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Arnoldo-Cantu

In this week's episode Winkfield Twyman Jr. joins Elizabeth to explore our lay view of the pros and cons of artificial intelligence. Our discussion is guided by several reports, popular press articles, and opinion pieces that expose different types of challenges and perspectives. We start with education. teaching, and learning. We include concerns about the effects of AI on information literacy, diversity of thought, and how it has impacted the societal and personal value placed on knowledge. We talk about AI risks and opportunities in research, medicine, psychology, and relationships. Wink marvels at the ability to personalize most any intervention to get targeted AI help with tasks both big and small. Unsurprisingly, he focuses on the positive, while Elizabeth reminds us of the downsides. Podcast notes Everyone is Cheating Their Way Through CollegeThe VeldtAI is AmazingThe (artificial intelligence) therapist can see you nowAlien Intelligence or How We All Became Captain DunselHow Humans Respond When the Ground Shifts Beneath ThemMeet the Women with AI Boyfriends

In this week's Dissident's podcast, James & Chris explore some of the legal, political, and moral arguments that undercut the basis for the modern welfare-regulatory state - which sees coercive powers concentrated in a central government body that intervenes into most human affairs, often in illiberal ways that pit one interest group against another or prioritize the interests of those in power. They show why it can only ever be that way under the current paradigm, regardless of who is in charge. With a particular focus on welfare & IP regimes, they go on to discuss & debate some novel alternatives that could take the place of the current concentrated power structure while yielding safer & more productive outcomes for all citizens. Such liberal alternatives can also still solve many of the human challenges that the prevailing coercive systems seek to remedy.

"Because of lack of freedom of speech, no one was able to tell the truth.” Welcome back – this is the Free Speech Forward podcast. In today's show, host Chris Bush interviews Yukong Mike Zhao, a prominent advocate for free speech and equal education rights. Mike shares his personal journey from growing up in communist China to becoming a vocal opponent of censorship and political correctness in America. He discusses the importance of free speech, drawing lessons from history, particularly the Cultural Revolution, and emphasizes the need for education about the dangers of authoritarian regimes. Mike also shares insights on organizing for equal education rights, including the importance of public support and the necessity of perseverance in the work of advocacy.  Learn more about Mike's work and the Asian American Coalition for Education at: https://asianamericanforeducation.org/en/about/leadship/

In this episode of The Dissidents Podcast, Jennifer Richmond and Nafees Alam dive into an engaging conversation on the intersections of fitness, mental health, faith, and societal challenges. Beginning with personal stories of their fitness journeys, they explore how physical well-being impacts mental clarity, self-awareness, and day-to-day productivity. Drawing on new scientific insights into gender-specific fitness practices, Jennifer reflects on her own realizations about training and physiology, while Nafees shares his perspective on how fitness builds resilience and fosters intellectual growth.The discussion expands to broader societal topics, including the role of biology in shaping conversations around gender, trans inclusion in sports, and the implications for fairness and personal identity. With compassion and curiosity, they navigate the complexities of these issues while offering potential solutions, such as the idea of separating sports leagues into "female" and "women's" categories. They also explore the critical role of diet and exercise in addressing mental health concerns, with a focus on long-term habits and scientific research.Through humor, humility, and thought-provoking dialogue, Jennifer and Nafees challenge listeners to embrace self-awareness, seek balance between individuality and inclusivity, and approach divisive topics with kindness and curiosity. This episode is a call to action for listeners to reflect on their health, values, and the role of reason in creating a more connected and compassionate society.Podcast Notes:Fair, Inclusive & Safe: A Transgender Sports Policy Panel Discussion: https://youtube.com/live/pyoSzg7Z8MY?feature=shareFrom Worriers to Warriors: The Cultural Rise of Women with Cory Clark: https://youtube.com/live/AUcdKecT3_Q?feature=shareTransform Your Mental Health With Diet & Lifestyle | Dr. Chris Palmer, Huberman LabThe Body Reset: How Women Should Eat & Exercise for Health, Fat Loss, & Enery, Mel Robbins Podcast

"Courage is essential for sharing your ideas." In this episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, host Chris Bush interviews Dumisani Washington, founder of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel. They discuss Dumisani's journey into advocacy for free speech and liberal values, particularly in the context of Israel and the Black community. The conversation emphasizes the importance of free speech as a fundamental right, the challenges faced in expressing controversial ideas, and the need for courage in communication. Dumisani advocates for investing in education and literacy as a means to empower individuals and promote a culture of free speech.  Learn more about Dumisani and his work with the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel (IBSI) at: https://ibsi.org/

In 2022 Counterweight, the organization that Helen Pluckrose founded and that was absorbed into the Institute for Liberal Values had a virtual conference on Alternatives to Diversity and Inclusion. Starting in 2025, we will be rolling out one talk a month that was presented at the conference. We sit down with the original presenters throughout 2025 to see what has changed since 2022. With Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives seemingly on the chopping block, we are curious to hear what our original participants are witnessing and experiencing on the ground. Is DEI really dead or just in remission? Are there healthy alternatives to DEI that we should consider, or do we throw the baby out with the bathwater and wipe our hands clean? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments.This month Jennifer Richmond interviews Zander Keig.  In his update to his original talk on Liberal Approaches to Diversity and Inclusion, where he shared elegant ways to emphasize heterodox views in trans care, Zander updates us on how the conversation on trans identity has changed over the past three years. Zander continues to approach the conversation always centering the individual and the search for “third spaces” to navigate “third rail” issues. Zander reviews some big changes over the past three years, including the recently discussed science that suggests that rapid and rabid adherence to sex change as a solution for exploring gender identity, may need reconsideration. Unfortunately, what has not changed is the polarization that continues to hijack the conversation, making genuine progress elusive.You can find his original presentation here: https://youtu.be/fJxCDJMPwvY

In this week's episode we honor the importance of men and masculine traits for a functioning society and human survival, for productive and enjoyable interactions, and for the sake of diversity. That's right, Nafees Alam joins Elizabeth to talk about men--men in the gym, men in the classroom, men and ideology, men's portrayal in the media, masculinity, and relationships. We use as a jumping off point an article about the importance of both belonging and uniqueness. The author argues that young men may feel excluded and unvalued in the current socio-political environment.  When society's focus shifts to include and pay tribute to the distinctiveness of some (e.g. women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+), the special and important contributions of other individuals and groups may naturally be set aside. Elizabeth and Nafees admit to seeing the basic human needs of belonging and uniqueness reflected in their own behavioral choices and preferences and wonder if this an unavoidable cycle inherent to human societal development.  If so, can we all (particularly men in today's society) find ways to define and nurture our own sense of belonging and uniqueness so that cycles will be less personally and socially costly?  Nafees helps us close on a positive note because above all, he believes in a resilient society.Podcast notesVersteegen, P. L. (2025). Trump Voters' social position in U.S. Society: Uniqueness and radical‐right support. Political Psychology, 46(1), 145–165. https://dcjournal.com/how-toxic-masculinity-becomes-necessary-masculinityhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pop-culture-mental-health/202502/celebrating-strong-independent-menPlease consider donating to the Institute for Liberal Values, a 501c3 non-profit organization at ilvalues.org. All donations go to support our continued programming to realize our mission to provide the skills and support required to build community where there has been division, encourage free expression where there has been censorship, and foster optimism where there is fear.

“Academia is an extremely unfree place”. Welcome to the latest episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast. Today, we welcome Professor Jake Mackey, Associate Professor of Classics, author of Belief and Cult: Rethinking Roman Religion (Princeton University Press, 2022), and founding member of Free Black Thought. Jake shares his journey from a repressive upbringing in a cult to becoming an advocate for free speech in academia, highlighting the need to promote a culture of free speech among youth. In addition, he encourages listeners to find shared values in conversations and to be brave in expressing their ideas, despite the risks of censorship. Learn more about Jake and his contributions to Free Black Thought at: https://freeblackthought.com/voices/jake-mackey

In this bonus episode, we share the recording of our Liberal Values in Practice livestream about transgender sports policies. The panelists, Social Work Professor Nafees Alam, Psychotherapist Stella O'Malley, and author and Social Worker Zander Keig, discuss the nuance and complexities of balancing competitive fairness with inclusivity. They explore scientific research, share their relevant lived experiences, examine multiple perspectives, and consider policy frameworks that aim to protect the dignity and opportunities of all athletes. Concerns about competitive equity and transgender rights are explored with respect and a commitment to liberal values. Resources: Point / Counterpoint: Transgender Sport Participation Policy, Matt Moore and Nafees Alam: https://openjournals.bsu.edu/sportsocialworkjournal/article/view/4192/2175The Third Space: A Nonconformist's Guide to the Universe, Zander Keig: https://www.amazon.com/Third-Space-Nonconformists-Guide-Universe/dp/1613431686

In this week's episode Ken Pope indulges Jen, Matt and Elizabeth in a discussion of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Ken, a retired Army officer, shares his personal experiences of living and working in both Ukraine and Russia. He patiently listens to our often naive and occasionally probing questions and does his best to answer in language we can understand without sacrificing the complex nature of the problems and potential solutions. He is tired of the slogans and name calling, which are unproductive and tribally motivated, and offers historical context as well as a pragmatic contemporary perspective on the issues we face. Ken is critical of all sides, particularly NATO, which he suggests must step up to ensure peace in the long term. Join Ken for a follow up Liberal Values Lab, Putin's War in Ukraine, on April 17 at 7pm ET, live on ILV's YouTube or X (@ilvalues).Podcast notesWhat the U.S. Has to Gain from Supporting Ukraine Ending Russia's War: Why Ukraine's Victory Is CrucialUkraine's growing military strength is an underrated factor in peace talksThe Strategic and Military Pathways to a Peaceful Ukrainian SettlementTo Really Get Peace in Ukraine, Consider Why Putin Started the War

Diverse Black Thought Matters. In this episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, hosts Chris and Joia speak with Mike Bowen, a founding member of Free Black Thought and prominent advocate for free speech and diversity of thought within the Black community. They discuss the importance of recognizing the varied experiences and perspectives among African Americans, the role of free speech in fostering a healthy society, and the need for critical thinking and communication skills. Mike emphasizes the significance of timeless knowledge and virtue in advocacy, and shares his vision for enhancing free speech through new academic publishing initiatives.  Learn more about Mike and his work with Free Black Thought at: https://freeblackthought.com/voices/michael-dc-bowen

 In 2022 Counterweight, the organization that Helen Pluckrose founded and that was absorbed into the Institute for Liberal Values had a virtual conference on Alternatives to Diversity and Inclusion. Starting in 2025, we will be rolling out one talk a month that was presented at the conference. We sit down with the original presenters throughout 2025 to see what has changed since 2022. With Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives seemingly on the chopping block, we are curious to hear what our original participants are witnessing and experiencing on the ground. Is DEI really dead or just in remission? Are there healthy alternatives to DEI that we should consider, or do we throw the baby out with the bathwater and wipe our hands clean? What do you think? This month Jennifer Richmond interviews Will Reusch.  In his update to her original talk on Liberal Approaches to Diversity and Inclusion, where he shared practical tips for difficult conversations and communicating across divides, Will shares with us his latest work on how to Brainwash-proof kids. Despite DEI being on the wane across America, Will tells us that they are now too often baked into K12 academic standards, making them more difficult to dismiss. As education becomes more decentralized with the rise of new school opportunities, Will is taking the momentum to move education from an obedience model that values compliance over curiosity, with his own online courses. His ultimate aim in creating Patterdox is the pursuit of truth that rewards curiosity and critical thinking. You can find his original conference presentation here: https://youtu.be/ZCogWT-6N3EPodcast Notes:Will's socials:https://www.instagram.com/willreusch/https://x.com/teecherreuschWebsite: www.patterdox.comThe Brainwash Proof masterclass can be accessed here:  https://patterdox.com/masterclassGender: https://youtu.be/-NW6J0uzpXI?si=q9LQKgCWlLYTi0Em Critical Social Justice: https://youtu.be/XaC3ObDSqzQ?si=IYucpCz6Sx8kg2oQ 

In this week's episode Mike and Elizabeth discuss an article that provides a brief history of how tyrants break confidence in democracy by destroying public trust in institutions, and attacking the government as wasteful and incompetent.  The author (Anthony Brunello) describes the tactic of cutting government to ensure it is less effective, thus making it easier to sell the idea that government fails us and only a strongman can salvage what is left.  We discuss the author's take on Project 2025, American culture wars, and religion. Along the way, Mike helps Elizabeth understand some terminology (NeoLiberal and NeoConservative) and political history.  Elizabeth worries that a quote attributed to Kissinger, " . . . people who have become accustomed to stability can't bring themselves to believe what is happening when faced with a revolutionary power and are therefore ineffective in opposing it," is all too apt apt, but Mike ends on a high note.  He believes that American democracy is strong and will survive the current challenges.   Podcast notesBrunello, A. R. (2025). The Damage Done: A Mandate to Demolish America's Progress Toward a More Perfect Union.World Affairs, 188(1), e12056.Please consider donating to the Institute for Liberal Values, a 501c3 non-profit organization at ilvalues.org. All donations go to support our continued programming to realize our mission to provide the skills and support required to build community where there has been division, encourage free expression where there has been censorship, and foster optimism where there is fear.

“Modeling civil discourse is crucial”. In this episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, Chris and Joia engage with Erec Smith, an expert in Rhetoric, discussing the critical role of free speech in society. Smith emphasizes the importance of effective communication skills, the concept of Defensive Confidence, and the need for resilience in the face of criticism. He shares insights on preparing for public speaking and the significance of modeling civil discourse to foster a culture of free speech. The conversation highlights the necessity of understanding rhetorical principles and the value of individual expression in a thriving society. Discover more about Erec's work championing the importance of civil discourse and the rhetorical skills necessary to practice it at: https://www.cato.org/video-series/competencies-civil-discourse/competencies-civil-discourse-0

In this week's episode frequent contributors Mark Horowitz, Nafees Alam join Elizabeth to discuss quality college teaching and how it is measured. University students typically complete one of several commercially available evaluation forms at the end of each semester.  Administrators use responses to evaluate faculty for reappointment, tenure, and for other forms of recognition. The research on student evaluations of teaching has been mixed, but overwhelmingly show at best a weak relationship between teaching evaluations and student learning. The author of a recent paper revisited prior work and used a variety of data analytic techniques to debunk the usefulness of student evaluations all together. The author, Bob Uttl, describes these evaluations as a highway to hell, as they fuel faculty popularity contests over merit. Mark, Nafees and Elizabeth can find little to disagree with, and each adds their own examples of documented confounds such as whether the course is considered easy, has lenient policies, or an attractive teacher (better ratings), versus more difficult, is science or math oriented, or the teacher has an accent (lower ratings).  We try to end on a high note by suggesting different methods, but we admit that a definition of good teaching is elusive and far too nuanced to be captured by a single measure or snapshot in time. Podcast notesUttl, B. (2024) Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET): Why the Emperor Has No Clothes and What We Should Do About It. Hu Arenas 7, 403–437.Please consider donating to the Institute for Liberal Values, a 501c3 non-profit organization at ilvalues.org. All donations go to support our continued programming to realize our mission to provide the skills and support required to build community where there has been division, encourage free expression where there has been censorship, and foster optimism where there is fear.

In this week's episode Elizabeth and Matt start by discussing an Op-Ed about the dangers of demonizing Donald Trump. The author (David Scharfenberg) reminds us that when we label a person or group as evil we tend to look away.  We may focus on fighting against an enemy, dehumanize, and become more afraid than proactive.  We also do not learn.  Elizabeth reveals that she chose the article because she recognized her own biases in the description. She admits to demonizing both ideological extremes, and feels squeezed by the potential threats.  Matt first suggests that we try to find shared values to remind ourselves of our common humanity.  Elizabeth is very skeptical of that strategy, but is more receptive to assurances that we can turn to our own core values and principles for respite and strength. This episode is a little bit of talk therapy for the politically exhausted.Podcast notesBoston Globe Article: "Dealing with the Devil" by David Scharfenberg https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?artguid=9b0cb8e2-4801-487e-8fa9-dbf0fd531d03&appcode=BOSGLO&eguid=2df733aa-711b-4c1c-8cf4-bb49b7d95a38&pnum=110#ProSocial Workers is committed to creating a viewpoint inclusive and politically diverse environment for social workers and other helping professionals.  Professionals can find support and continuing education at ProSocialWorkers.com.  Please consider donating to the Institute for Liberal Values, a 501c3 non-profit organization at ilvalues.org. All donations go to support our continued programming to realize our mission to provide the skills and support required to build community where there has been division, encourage free expression where there has been censorship, and foster optimism where there is fear.

 “Check your premises, always.” In this episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, Brent Hamachek joins with Chris and Joia to discuss his journey as an advocate for free speech and individual liberty. He introduces several initiatives he is involved in, including The Common Ground Campus Program, The Free Society Coalition, and The American 250. Brent emphasizes the importance of free speech for individual liberty and societal flourishing, and he shares insights on effective communication and the need for young people to engage in civil discourse. He also points out that history shows societal change often comes from motivated minorities and reminds listeners that personal attacks are a reality when speaking out, so you need to focus on the message. Find out more about Brent's work at: https://www.commongroundcampus.com/, https://www.freesocietycoalition.org/, and www.TheAmerican250.org

This week Jennifer Richmond and Angel Eduardo continue their conversation on faith and liberalism. The main question we tackle in this conversation is: do we need religion? Jennifer credits her faith to her “upward aim” and “striving” and doubts that she would approach life with such a conviction without her faith. Angel says that he can accomplish this same quest for moral “goodness” without the “baggage” of religion. Instead of “systematizing” his moral objectives to the Bible or Christian principles, Angel takes the good from innumerable stories that span history. What we both know, albeit from different perspectives, is that we are all a collection of miracles. We end the conversation promising to continue the discussion and will do so in our live March Liberalism in Practice Panel Discussion on March 27 at 7pm ET. We hope you can join us.In the meantime, please consider donating to the Institute for Liberal Values, a 501c3 non-profit organization at ilvalues.org. All donations go to support our continued programming to realize our mission to provide the skills and support required to build community where there has been division, encourage free expression where there has been censorship, and foster optimism where there is fear.Podcast Resources:Cross Purposes Book Club: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_YD42csnK6eXuY1nCI7Yc-OPFzAygC1ZJesus and Superman: A Faith and Liberalism Series with Angel Eduardo: https://youtu.be/C6CZvlWqETc

In 2022 Counterweight, the organization that Helen Pluckrose founded and that was absorbed into the Institute for Liberal Values had a virtual conference on Alternatives to Diversity and Inclusion. Starting in 2025, we will be rolling out one talk a month that was presented at the conference. We sit down with the original presenters throughout 2025 to see what has changed since 2022. With Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives seemingly on the chopping block, we are curious to hear what our original participants are witnessing and experiencing on the ground. Is DEI really dead or just in remission? Are there healthy alternatives to DEI that we should consider, or do we throw the baby out with the bathwater and wipe our hands clean? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments.This month Jennifer Richmond interviews Ellie Avishai. In her update to her original talk on Liberal Approaches to Diversity and Inclusion, Ellie reminds us that is always our job to be truth seekers despite which way the winds shift. And our conversation shifts from its original emphasis on DEI in the workplace to DEI in schools. In her original talk she underlines the importance of having clarity for workplace values, here we talk about clarity of purpose in our schools. So, just what is the purpose of schools? Well, the answer is complicated and varied, but if Ellie could boil it down to one thing, it would be the development of democratic citizens. The ultimate aim of education is to develop the intellectual capacity and curiosity to engage people different from oneself, and that is exactly the work she does as the Director of the Mill Center at UATX. You can find her original conference presentation here: https://youtu.be/kGE6TsZ00mMPodcast Notes:Public Goods, Private Goods: The American Struggle over Educational Goals, David Labaree, American Educational Research Journal, Vol 34, No 1 (Spring 1997) pp. 39 - 81.The Mill Institute: https://www.uaustin.org/mill

 "Speak up. Your voice is important." In this episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, Chris and Joia speak with Sangeetha Shankar, who shares her journey as an advocate for free speech, a journey rooted in her upbringing in India and her experiences as a homeschooling mother. Sangeetha discusses the challenges faced by Hindu communities, particularly in light of the SB 403 bill in California, which she argues would lead to racial profiling and discrimination. She also emphasizes the importance of free speech for individual and societal flourishing, drawing on her Hindu beliefs that celebrate freedom and diversity of thought.  Finally, Sangeetha offers insights on effective communication and encourages listeners to find their voice and their community in the face of cultural pressures. She would like to suggest the following tips to help others in sharing their voice:Write, write, write- long-form, journal writing works wonders to get your genuine voice out. Do self podcasts -record yourself on the camera and see how you sound. Talk aloud in the bathtub!Talk to yourself in the mirror. Practice in front of friends, friendly communities like Toastmasters. Get out of your comfort zone and speak on uncomfortable issues.  Learn more about Hinduism in America and Sangeetha's work at: https://www.hinduamerican.org/

This week Jen & Wink speak with Susanna McIntyre about her transformation from Catholicism to Atheism, Antifa to Dissident, and an alignment with Preference Falsification that turned into a Preference Cascade. Susanna claims that her journey towards critical thinking was an “accident” but we find inspiration in Susanna's very intentional search for truth and the embrace of disagreement. 

Respect for human diversity is inherent in social work education, practice, and is an essential element of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. Yet many social workers and others are unaware that political and religious diversity are referenced several times in the Code. Is social work becoming ideologically intolerant, illiberal, orthodox, and incompatible with the profession's ethical values and principles? Listen to experiences of several social workers who confronted viewpoint orthodoxy in their education and professional settings. Podcast notes: Tiffanie Jones Interview on Free Black Thought, “Canceled for Challenging Gender.” Third part of the series: Privileged Perspectives: Orthodoxy and Self-Censorship in Social Work Education Second part of the series: Left Turn in Social Work Education: The Harmful Effects of a Narrow Political Ideology First part of the series: Critical vs. Classical Social Justice in Social Work ProSocial Workers is committed to creating a viewpoint inclusive and politically diverse environment for social workers and other helping professionals. Professionals can find support and continuing education at ProSocialWorkers.com.

Welcome to today's episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, a conversation between Joia, Chris, and John Suarez, Executive Director at the Center for a Free Cuba. John shares his journey as a human rights advocate, discussing the importance of free speech particularly in the context of Cuba. He describes his early experiences with censorship, the historical repression in Cuba, and the need for regime change to restore free speech. The conversation also touches on the cultural decline of free speech in the U.S. and the courage required to speak out against oppression. Find out more at: https://cubacenter.org/

In introducing this podcast, I first want to acknowledge how darn pleased I am to have advisors in our organization who think differently than me and who aren't afraid to say as much. This podcast originated when one of our advisors, Pam Hayes-Bohanan, pushed back after an ILV panel discussion on Ethnic Studies. We have had many previous podcasts, labs and panels that question the trends in Ethnic Studies, so when I received this critique, I wanted to know more. Unsurprisingly, although we found many areas where we our perspectives differed, namely around Paulo Freire's book, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, through the conversation we also found unexpected convergence. In exploring our different viewpoints, we came to agree that one of the biggest problems is the flattening of education. We discuss the myriad of ways this is being done, including devaluing subject matter experts, a closing of ranks within some colleges of education, the rise of “pre-packaged” curricula, a growing number of administrators who micromanage education, often stripping it of its richness including critical thinking, the mechanical teaching for a test versus to instill the love of learning, and the downgrading of curiosity. While each of these problems may require distinct solutions, one thing we can all agree on is the need to, as Pam says, “not be afraid of ideas” and “just read more books”. More specifically, read books you tend to criticize (e.g. Freire in my case) to develop your own critical thinking skills and thereby learn HOW to think instead of WHAT to think. Podcast Resources Precious Knowledge documentary Going Varsity in Mariachi  On Settler Colonialism: Ideology, Violence and Justice, by Adam Kirsch A Third Way on the Place of Critical Race Theory in the Classroom, Real Clear Education, by Amna Khalid, David Bernstein and Jennifer Richmond The Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Paulo Freire The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros ILV Ethnic Studies Recordings: Depoliticizing the Classroom: The Role of the Teacher September Liberal Values Lab: Ethnic Studies in Your School Ethnic Studies: From Radical Roots to Government Mandate

Today we are rolling out the third and final series of our book club on Jonathan Rauch's forthcoming book entitled Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy. The book, made available to you by Yale University Press in early February, examines American pluralism and the role of religion in historical and modern democracy. Rauch, a self-described atheist, somewhat apologetically takes us on a journalistic and self-reflective tour of the intersection of religion and human nature. This book is a cultural, civic, and spiritual travel-log for believers and non-believers alike. Jonathan Rauch will join us for a livestream on February 6 at 7pm ET. In the meantime, join Jen (a Presbyterian), Elizabeth (an Atheist, and Matt (a Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) for 3 book club episodes focused on Cross Purposes. Today we discuss Part III, which is entitled “Thick Christianity.”

In 2022 Counterweight, the organization that Helen Pluckrose founded and that was absorbed into the Institute for Liberal Values had a virtual conference on Alternatives to Diversity and Inclusion. Starting in 2025, we will be rolling out one talk a month that was presented at the conference. We sit down with the original presenters throughout 2025 to see what has changed since 2022. With Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives seemingly on the chopping block, we are curious to hear what our original participants are witnessing and experiencing on the ground. Is DEI really dead or just in remission? Are there healthy alternatives to DEI that we should consider, or do we throw the baby out with the bathwater and wipe our hands clean? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments. This week Elizabeth Spievak interviews Angel Eduardo. This interview took place in late 2024, so his views may have changed over the course of the past few months, but in update to his original talk on Liberal Approaches to Diversity and Inclusion, Angel tells us that buying into DEI was like buying a car that is a lemon. We should still buy cars, just not lemons. The best way to create the unity that was the kindest interpretation of some of the DEI movement, is not to dismiss the effort to value diversity and inclusion, but rather to learn to “star-man” our fellow citizens, embracing the best version of our humanity. You can find his original conference presentation here: https://youtu.be/55nDT-9HZws

Today we are rolling out the second in a three part book club series on Jonathan Rauch's forthcoming book entitled Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy. The book, made available to you by Yale University Press in early February, examines American pluralism and the role of religion in historical and modern democracy. Rauch, a self-described atheist, somewhat apologetically takes us on a journalistic and self-reflective tour of the intersection of religion and human nature. This book is a cultural, civic, and spiritual travel-log for believers and non-believers alike. Jonathan Rauch will join us for a livestream on February 6 at 7pm ET. In the meantime, join Jen – a presbyterian, Elizabeth – an atheist, and Matt – a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for 3 book club episodes focused on Cross Purposes. Today we discuss Part II, which is entitled “Sharp Christianity.”

This week we speak with Wenyuan Wu, Executive Director of the Californians for Equal Rights Foundation. Wenyuan shares her journey coming to advocate for and defend students (as young as first graders!) and late-stage career professionals alike from the ravages of illiberal cancel culture that have trampled on free speech rights across large swathes of American society in the last decade. Through her compelling stories, we see first-hand that no one is safe when free speech isn't respected or protected; but also, that there are many allies out there who can help you find your voice to stand up and speak out to reclaim your voice and rights. She also shares strategies for effective communication when pushing back against prevailing narratives and groupthink, as well as the importance of never giving up fighting for what you believe in, and making sure our constitutional rights remain properly grounded by deeper morals and ideals.

In this week's podcast Mike Burke meets up with Matt Gertken to discuss some of the rumours currently circulating around the Chinese Communist Party. They discuss the economic problems of the CCP, the potential for its collapse, changes in Chinese leadership and the future of the Taiwan Strait.  Matt is the Chief Strategist for both BCA Research Geopolitical Strategy and US Political Strategy services, where he oversees our coverage of market- relevant policy developments in the US and worldwide. Matt served as a Senior Analyst at Strategic Forecasting, Inc. (Stratfor) and in multiple academic and publishing roles. Matt has 18 years of experience in the field and appears frequently in global news media. Matt holds an MPhil from the University of Cambridge and a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin.

Today we are launching our second ILV book club with a series of discussions of Jonathan Rauch's forthcoming book entitled Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy by Brookings Institution senior fellow and best-selling author Jonathan Rauch. The book, made available to you by Yale University Press in early February, examines American pluralism and the role of religion in historical and modern democracy. Rauch, a self-described atheist, somewhat apologetically takes us on a journalistic and self-reflective tour of the intersection of religion and human nature. This book is a cultural, civic, and spiritual travel-log for believers and non-believers alike. Jonathan Rauch will join us for a livestream on February 5 at 7pm ET. In the meantime, join Jen, Elizabeth and Matt for 3 book club episodes focused on Cross Purposes. We begin our discussion with Part I, which is entitled “Thin Christianity.” Podcast Resources: Pre-order Cross Purposes Save the date for our livestream with Jonathan Rauch (both on YouTube and on @ilvalues on X) Jesus and Superman: A Liberalism and Faith Series with Angel Eduardo How Intellectuals Found God, Peter Savodnik, The Free Press The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism, Tim Alberta Walking with God through Pain and Suffering, Tim Keller Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging, Sebastian Junger On Censorship Book Club

This week as we join Lee Jussim at USC for the conference on Censorship in the Sciences we are revisiting our livestream with Lee and Catherine Salmon on the ethics Institutional Review Boards, and the role they play in censorship and the decline of academic freedoms.  Censorship in the Sciences Conference website: https://dornsife.usc.edu/cesr/censorship-in-the-sciences-interdisciplinary-perspectives/ You can watch the conference via zoom and find the full schedule here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/19YCeirdwU-izcY86aaNQ_4hm8znTaMML/view To be a part of the discussion and join our livestreams, sign up for our newsletter to be informed of all our offerings: https://ilvalues.org/ You can find more interviews of Lee here: How the Compassionate Mislead, Jordan B. Peterson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqa7n2Aq-Bs&t=1s When Anti-Racism Becomes Racism, Jordan B. Peterson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIpX1ME9Zvg&t=1s The Radicalization of the Academy, Stanford Classical Liberalism Initiative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kaFI8JAOvk&t=1s Lee's Substack, Unsafe Science: https://substack.com/@unsafescience  

n this episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, co-hosts Chris and Joia engage with Susanna McIntyre, a passionate advocate for free expression and critical thinking. Susanna shares her transformative journey from being involved in Antifa to becoming the Development Associate at Ayaan Hirsi Ali's AHA Foundation as well as President/CEO of Atheist Republic. Susanna focuses on the importance of free speech, critical thinking, and the challenges of expressing unpopular opinions. The conversation delves into personal growth, the significance of admitting mistakes, and the societal implications of free expression.   Watch more videos featuring Susanna's views on free speech and religion at: https://www.youtube.com/@AtheistRepublic

In this engaging conversation, Chris and Joia speak with Wink Twyman, who shares his insights on the importance of free speech and the value of diverse opinions. He emphasizes the dangers of conformity and groupthink, advocating for open dialogue as a means to foster wisdom and understanding. Wink also provides practical advice on effective communication, highlighting the significance of authenticity in writing and speaking. The discussion culminates in a vision for a future where free speech thrives, encouraging individuals to embrace their unique perspectives and courageously express themselves.   Get more from Wink at his Substack: https://twyman.substack.com/   Also, check out the book Wink co-authored with our ILV Board Member Jennifer Richmond: Letters in Black & White: A New Correspondence on Race in America.

In this week's podcast, Jennifer Richmond and Winkfield Twyman, Jr. talk with Pastor Dumisani Washington on his journey through his early years, his “God Walk” in Africa, a name change, and finally to Israel. The crux of our conversation centers on how he relates the African story to that of Israel and in particular to the current Israeli-Palestine conflict. Dumisani takes us deep into the KGB propaganda of the 1960s that created the illusion of black solidarity with Palestine, playing on settler-colonial themes and tying them to stories of Jim Crow. This propaganda underlines the current affinity between Black Lives Matter and Pro-Palestinian movements that we see playing out in the United States. But as you will hear, Dumisani speaks truths that unveil this disinformation, taking the co-hosts on an unexpected history lesson that spans the globe, and underlines our common humanity. Podcast Resources: Zionism and The Black Church: Why Standing with Israel Will be a Defining Issue for Christians of Color in the 21st Century, Dumisani Washington Africa-Israel Weekly, IBSI on Substack Islamic Terrorism is the Enemy Israel & Africa Share, Africa Israel Weekly, May 30, 2024 Ta-Nehisi Coates, Louis Farrakhan, & Black Apologists for Islamic Slavery & Genocide in Africa, Africa Israel Weekly, Dec 1, 2024 Disinformation: Former Spy Chief Reveals Secret Strategies for Undermining Freedom, Attacking Religion, and Promoting Terrorism, by Gen Ion Mihai Pacepa & Prof Ronald J Rychlak  The American Soviet Mentality, Dissidents Podcast with Izabella Tabarovsky Antisemitism's New Narrative, Dissidents Podcast with Asra Nomani and Izabella Tabarovsky Potemkin Villages: The Origin of Antisemitic Soviet Propaganda & it's Influence on American Education & Media, Dissidents Podcast with Izabella Tabarovsky

In this week's podcast, Jennifer Richmond and Angel Eduardo launch a new series on faith and liberalism. They spent some time wrestling with where to begin with such a weighty topic, when they finally landed on simply sharing their own personal faith journeys. They embark on this discussion with curiosity and humility, neither trying to convert, correct or proselytize, but simply in exploration of the origins of their common humanity and shared values. We invite others to join in the conversation with suggestions and questions in the comments, which we will address in upcoming episodes. We will be inviting other guests to join us and look forward to further conversations on the complexities of faith, liberalism and the intersection of both in search of a strategy for human flourishing.

We're back for another episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast! Today, Dr. Nafees Alam speaks with co-hosts Chris and Joia about his unique journey into the realm of free speech advocacy and viewpoint diversity. He emphasizes the importance of creating spaces for intellectual discourse and the necessity of viewpoint diversity for personal and societal growth. Their conversation explores the challenges faced in academia regarding differing viewpoints, the need for students to find their individuality, and the responsibility that comes with the privilege of free speech.

In this week's podcast, Jennifer Richmond and Elizabeth Spievak speak with new ILV friend and (fingers crossed) advisor, Dr. Nafees Alam. Nafees is a heterodox social work professor who is bringing viewpoint diversity into his classroom. He is reinvigorating “point-counterpoint” strategies to get his students to explore different opinions and mindsets with compassion and empathy. He uses this style in a lot of his writing where he has considered different perspectives on issues such as mental health, “toxic masculinity” and trans sports. Be on the lookout for more from Nafees in our December Liberal Values Lab as as a panelist on our Liberalism in Practice Panel Discussion on trans sports with our guests from Genspect. Resources & other Articles from Dr. Nafees Alam: https://dcjournal.com/the-effect-of-shaming-simps-and-single-mothers-on-declining-birth-rates/ https://www.wvgazettemail.com/opinion/op_ed_commentaries/nafees-alam-loneliness-and-the-looming-demise-of-dating-apps-opinion/article_42a97d7b-9b6a-5754-ba82-7527f399cb97.html https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pop-culture-mental-health/202405/the-ivory-tower-main-street-and-wall-street https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/pop-culture-mental-health/202405/the-value-of-defeat-in-developing-resilience https://www.bangordailynews.com/2024/05/01/opinion/opinion-contributor/a-novices-novel-ideas-for-resolving-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pop-culture-mental-health/202404/how-concept-creep-is-stigmatizing-narcissistic-personality https://www.chronicleonline.com/opinion/columnists/cost-benefit-analysis-of-being-a-good-samaritan/article_04242835-3cad-5110-ada4-486d6310a054.html https://dcjournal.com/ai-romance-as-healthy-competition/ https://dcjournal.com/how-toxic-masculinity-becomes-necessary-masculinity/ https://www.chronicleonline.com/opinion/columnists/can-divorce-reform-save-marriage/article_4cd39622-2b26-5b99-96f1-ef94fb0a34c6.html https://heterodoxacademy.org/blog/discrimination-by-altered-expectations-opinion/ https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2023/04/03/benevolent-vicarious-tokenism/stories/202304030008 https://journals.shareok.org/jofsw/article/view/132

In this week's podcast, Jennifer Richmond and Ken Pope speak with Jany Finkielsztein about her immigrant experience and what drove her passion for working in education. Jany's family immigrated from Poland to Colombia during the Holocaust, and one of her grandfather's sayings was, (Outside of packing light and running fast) "nobody can take your education from you." Jany took that to heart and carried her passion for education with her, when safety concerns led her family to immigrate to the United States. As an educator, Jany focused on finding ways to give back to the Hispanic and immigrant communities. However, as the focus of educator professional development began to prioritize activism over learning, she reevaluated her approach. Now working with the CAMERA Education Institute, Jany researches and exposes activists, organizations and curricular materials that present false accounts of Israel and Zionism in K-12 education. In addition, Jany helps to provide educational materials that tackle the anti-Israel bias that has captured much of the American education landscape. No one can take your education away, but we ask Jany: Do we want to preserve the kinds of education that are increasingly contributing to division and polarization among students? Bio: Jany is originally from Bogota, Colombia. She has worked as a middle school teacher, curriculum coordinator and instructional coach across charter, public and independent schools in Massachusetts. She has experience planning and facilitating professional learning opportunities for K-12 teachers. In addition, Jany has been an adjunct faculty teaching pre-service courses for teacher preparation programs at Boston University and Simmons University. Jany is a board member of the Massachusetts Council for the Social Studies (MCSS), and the Jewish Affairs Caucus of the National Educators association (NEA). She is currently a senior education analyst at the CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy for Middle East Reporting and Analysis) Education Institute. Resources: One -Pager research based Timely topics: https://www.camera-edu.org/timely_topics/ History of the Jewish People in the Land of Israel - curriculum for schools: https://www.camera-edu.org/5379-2/ The CAMERA Education Institute's (CEI) expert literature program team has curated a list of fiction and non-fiction recommended books for K-12 students that provide accurate information about Israel, its history, current events, Zionism and Israelis: https://www.camera-edu.org/resources/recommended-books/books-for-elementary-school/ https://www.camera-edu.org/resources/recommended-books/books-for-middle-school/ https://www.camera-edu.org/resources/recommended-books/books-for-high-school/ We also exposethe anti-Israel K-12 books infiltrated into schools to promote the ideology: ProblematicBooks After Oct 7, the efforts to have these types of books in classrooms intensified. To see the scope of the CAMERA Education Institute's (CEI) work: https://www.camera-edu.org/

In today's Free Speech Forward podcast episode, hosts Chris and Joia speak with Wai Wah Chin, the charter president of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance of Greater New York. They discuss the critical role of free speech in advocating for equal rights, particularly in education. Wai Wah shares her experiences with the specialized high schools in New York, emphasizing the importance of merit and objectivity in academic standards. Their conversation also touches on the ideological shifts in education and the need for civil discourse and courage in expressing diverse viewpoints.   Find out more about Wai Wah and the work of CACAGNY at: http://www.cacagny.org/

In this week's episode Elizabeth and Matt Watson discuss orthodoxy and student disaffection in social work education. A recent survey project revealed that, while most students report a positive social work education experience, the feeling is by no means universal.  Some students  perceive that their religious beliefs, political ideology, or even their gender identity may be incompatible with social work, Some students reported that they actively self-censor or misrepresent their thoughts and opinions out of fear. Not surprisingly, they also reported that their professors were not open to alternative ideas or perspectives. Matt and Elizabeth discuss the study outcomes in the context of ethical responsibilities in social work education and practice.  We express our hopes that recent trends toward narrow definition of diversity pedagogy will expand to include viewpoint diversity that welcomes more students to fully participate in social work education.  We reached out to the author and Dr. C.J. Sorenson joined us for a follow up on his findings. We asked CJ about provisions for protecting religious and political views, and how social work faculty can avoid alienating their less progressive students at a time when the field needs more good candidates. C.J. expressed openness and commitment to viewpoint diversity in social work classrooms and practice.  We all agree that these are the kind of difficult conversations we need in the fields of social work and social work education. Podcast notes C.J. Sorenson, Tiffanie Jones & Rachel Casey (24 Jan 2024): The In-class experience of social work students based on their political ideology, Social Work Education.  https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2024.2307527 LCSW Matt Watson cohosts from our ILV partner, ProSocial Workers. ProSocial Workers is committed to creating a viewpoint inclusive and politically diverse environment for social workers and other helping professionals.  Professionals can find support and continuing education at ProSocialWorkers.com.   Get access the full author Q&A here. Second part of the series: Left Turn in Social Work Education: The Harmful Effects of a Narrow Political Ideology First part of the series: Critical vs. Classical Social Justice in Social Work

In On Censorship James LaRue issues a balanced and reasonable call to action for all citizens. It is a combination of personal reflection and deep dive into specifics of book banning. James LaRue has been a public library director for many years, and was director of the Freedom to Read Foundation, and ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom. He has written, spoken, and consulted extensively on intellectual freedom issues, leadership and organizational development, community engagement, and the future of libraries. Resources: On Censorship Book Club: Episode I: https://youtu.be/fAsyMQ5pP5M On Censorship Book Club: Episode II: https://youtu.be/j1L-bg7SH3w On Censorship Book Club: Episode III: https://youtu.be/8jjgiXg_DF8 On Censorship Book Club: Episode IV: https://youtu.be/pmLiCcjzTYc On Censorhip: https://www.amazon.com/Censorship-Librarian-Examines-Culture-Speakers/dp/1682753476/

Welcome to the latest episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast in which hosts Joia and Chris engage with Ilana Cohen, the Community Engagement Director at the Alliance for Constructive Ethnic Studies. They discuss Ilana's background as a child refugee from the Soviet Union and her journey towards advocating for free speech and critical thinking in education. The conversation highlights the importance of free speech in fostering a healthy free society as well as the challenges faced in the current educational environment. Ilana emphasizes the critical role of education in promoting discourse and understanding among diverse perspectives.   Find out more about Ilana's work with the Alliance for Constructive Ethnic Studies at: https://www.calethstudies.org/

This podcast features a recording of a live-stream event hosted by Maccabi Lec-Ari and Mike Burke. The discussion focuses on Israel, liberal democracy and rising Antisemitism, particularly within the UK.

Chocolate is the top-selling Halloween candy and is considered a must-have treat for the trick-or-treaters and eaters of leftovers alike.  But do you think about where your chocolate comes from?  Listen to this week's podcast to find out! _________ This week's episode is part of an occasional series about coffee,  and this week we actually take time to discuss a closely related commodity--chocolate. Our guest, James Hayes-Bohanan, has been doing research on political, social, cultural, and environmental geography of coffee for 20 years and by extension has learned a fair amount about cacao. In this episode James gives us an overview of growing, harvesting and processing, including an open secret of child exploitation and slave labor. We learn that the manufacturers of the most popular store brands are the worst offenders. James helps us understand the complexities of fair trade, small farms, and large cacao traders, as well as what we can do to find and support more socially responsible producers of chocolate.   Podcast Notes Supreme Court decision in support of Nestle and Cargill regarding slave labor: https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/17/supreme-court-ruling-child-slave-labor-495022 An overview from Equal Exchange with embedded links to company scorecards and more: https://www.info.equalexchange.coop/articles/who-grows-your-chocolate Newspaper article Burdick Chocolate:  https://www.sentinelsource.com/news/local/burdick-clears-the-air-on-rumors-of-walpole-chocolate-company-sale/article_1aa500d3-b4fe-518a-8c1e-2010b1b7a45b.html  Burdick chocolate partnership with Grenada farmers: https://www.jouvaychocolate.com/about-us   An industry site: https://worldcocoafoundation.org/ Living Earth Festival Symposium on Chocolate from Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indianhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCw5OE_2sgo  

In this episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, host Chris Bush engages with Frank Xu, President of Californians for Equal Rights Foundation (CFER) and Founding President of San Diego Asian Americans for Equality (SDAAFE). Frank shares his journey as an activist, highlighting the interconnectedness of free speech and equal opportunity. He discusses his experiences in California and the importance of effective communication in public advocacy. Frank also emphasizes the need for youth activism and the role of community support in standing up for free speech rights. He concludes with a vision for investing in initiatives to promote free speech on a global scale, drawing lessons from countries with restrictive regimes. Learn more about Frank and his efforts at: https://www.cferfoundation.org/

In this week's episode Elizabeth and Matt Watson discuss ideology in his field of social work. A recently published survey study confirmed that a trend toward liberalism in higher education faculty is even stronger in social work and the researchers expressed less concern about this than we'd hoped. We consider what the findings and the tone of the article mean for the field.  We also discuss the social work code of ethics and potential conflicts created by the preponderance of progressive faculty and elaborate on the importance of diversity of thought in both social work education and social work itself.  We also reached out to the author and Dr. Stephen Stoeffler joined us for a follow up. We asked Stephen about provisions for protecting religious and political views, and how social work faculty can avoid alienating their less progressive students at a time when the field needs more good candidates.  Stephen expressed an openness and commitment to viewpoint diversity in social work classrooms and practice. He also reiterated his beliefs that the field's alignment with the progressive left is appropriate and that social work education should maintain that focus.  We all agreed that these are the kind of difficult conversations we need in the fields of social work and social work education. Podcast notes Stoeffler, S., Young, B. & Hassler, M. (2023).  Embracing our values: Social work faculty progressivism in a conservative world. International Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 20, 194-219 LSW Matt Watson from our ILV partner, ProSocial Workers is co host this week. ProSocial Workers is committed to creating a viewpoint inclusive and politically diverse environment for social workers and other helping professionals.  Professionals can find support and continuing education at ProSocialWorkers.com.   Get access the full author Q&A here: https://prosocialworkers.com/courses/the-case-for-and-against-political-orthodoxy-in-social-work/ First part of the series: Critical vs. Classical Social Justice in Social Work