There Are Only Two Gametes
The United States seems to be reaching what one can only hope is the apex of a recent wave of political extremism and ideological division. This situation is not helped by the fact that about 70% of people from both political parties now say that those on the opposite side of the aisle are not only wrong on the issues but also dishonest and immoral—a figure that has risen about 30% over the past decade.
One might have reasonably expected institutions of higher education to shield themselves from these trends and to do their best to maintain an evidence-based culture that thrives on respectful disagreement. Instead, too many university campuses now find themselves at the leading edge of polarization and incivility, having fostered a political and intellectual monoculture in which students and faculty alike fear having their careers destroyed by intolerant adherents of dominant progressive views.