The College Debate: Who’s Really in Charge?

Date & Time: Monday, April 6 – 6:00 PM
Location: Room 283, Harold Alfond Forum, UNE Biddeford Campus
Admission: Free and open to all

About the Forum

Higher education has become a battlefield of ideas, mirroring the intensity of politics. The University of New England invites you to explore whether universities should remain neutral or if government intervention is necessary to maintain balance. This event aims to foster respectful dialogue on contentious topics without shouting or dismissing differing viewpoints.

Speakers

• Dr. Andrew Rotondo – Philosophy professor and School of Arts & Humanities administrator
  Topic: How colleges transform into echo chambers

• Dr. John Waterman – Philosophy professor
  Topic: The influence of political pressure on research and teaching

• Sarah Delage – UNE Communications Vice‑President
  Role: Facilitator of the discussion

Key Questions

1. Why is higher learning so politically charged?
2. Should the state dictate what students learn, or should colleges decide independently?
3. Can universities regain the public’s trust as bastions of open inquiry?

Why Attend?

• Reflect on “balance” in academic settings
• Assess whether internal reforms suffice or external oversight is required
• Engage with experts and contribute to a constructive conversation

“By listening, we can learn if reforms inside schools are enough or if outside help is needed.”

Join us to shape the future of higher education.