University campuses play a major role in whatever city they’re in, from local politics to gentrification and even policing. We’re in the midst of a new economy, argues urban historian Davarian Baldwin. Today, he talks with guest host Nan Enstad about the role universities are playing in that economy through the lens of his new […]
Who’s Afraid of Critical Race Theory?
Last week, Republicans in the Wisconsin state legislature introduced legislation designed to ban the teaching of critical race theory in K–12 and UW system schools. This appears to be the latest conservative bugaboo in the new culture wars of the twenty-first century. But we wanted to have an honest discussion: what is critical race theory? […]
Free Speech: A 2021 Explainer
There’s been a lot of talk lately about free speech and the First Amendment. What is—and what isn’t—protected free speech? Today on the show, legal expert Howard Schweber breaks it down for us and answers our questions. Howard Schweber is a professor of political science and legal studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He is […]
Coerced Labor in America Today
The pandemic and attendant economic crisis have laid bare the enormous power imbalances in contemporary American work life. Today, we speak with sociologist Erin Hatton about her new book Coerced, in which she looks at four distinct groups of workers—from prisoners and welfare workers to graduate students and college athletes—who are not often recognized as […]
The intellectual dark web
What makes an idea dangerous? In tonight’s episode, Kevin Lauterjung and Kelly Schwartz discuss the intellectual dark web (IDW), from subversive origins to Youtube mainstay. How did the IDW become associated with the political right? Where should we draw the line in discussing identity? Is there a free speech issue on US campuses? Join us […]
UW Hospital Nurses Move to Unionize
Nurses at UW Hospital announced their intent to unionize today. They say they’re too understaffed to properly care for patients and don’t feel supported by hospital administration. This afternoon, nurses marched into this month’s meeting of the UW Hospital and Clinics Authority Board of Directors, and informed board members of their intent to unionize. Then, […]
