37. Why Higher Ed Has Never Been Woke: A Conversation with Musa Al-Gharbi

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Musa Al-Gharbi discusses his book 'We Have Never Been Woke', which critiques the prevailing narratives in higher education regarding social justice and progressivism. He introduces the concept of 'symbolic capitalism' and explores the disconnect between intentions and outcomes in educational institutions. Dr. Al-Gharbi highlights the hostility faced by socially conservative views in academia and emphasizes the importance of belongingness over mere inclusion. He critiques the effectiveness of current DEI initiatives and calls for a reevaluation of credentialing practices that perpetuate inequality. In this conversation, Dr. Al-Gharbi discusses the perception of academia, the political biases within higher education, and the implications of these biases on public trust. He emphasizes the need for universities to acknowledge their shortcomings while defending their value and academic freedom. Dr. Al-Gharbi also reflects on the historical context of social dynamics and the importance of understanding these patterns to avoid repeating past mistakes. Takeaways• The title 'We Have Never Been Woke' challenges existing narratives.• Higher education often perpetuates inequality despite progressive intentions.• There is a significant disconnect between intentions and actual outcomes in academia.• Belongingness is a crucial factor for student success and retention.• Current DEI initiatives often fail to produce desired outcomes and can be counterproductive.