Firing Line Season 17 Episode 35 Resolved: That the Feds Should Get Out of Higher Education-Part I
- October 5, 1982
Resolved: That the Feds Should Get Out of Higher Education-Part I is the 35th episode of the 17th season of Firing Line, a political talk show hosted by Margaret Hoover. In this episode, the topic of discussion is whether or not the federal government should be involved in higher education.
The episode features a panel of four experts, including Peter Wood, President of the National Association of Scholars, Neal McCluskey, Director of the Center for Educational Freedom, Lindsay Burke, Director of the Center for Education Policy, and Mark Schneider, Vice President and Institute Fellow at the American Institutes for Research. The panelists debate the importance and potential consequences of federal involvement in higher education, covering topics such as student loans, accreditation, and federal funding.
Throughout the episode, the panelists have different views on the subject, with some arguing that the federal government should not have a role in higher education, while others believe that federal involvement is necessary for ensuring quality and accessibility.
Peter Wood argues that the federal government should not be involved in higher education because it has a negative impact on academic freedom, arguing that it leads to a more conformist and less intellectually diverse academic community. Lindsay Burke counters that argument by saying that federal funding has been instrumental in allowing low-income and minority students to have access to higher education, which contributes to more diverse and inclusive campuses.
Meanwhile, Neal McCluskey argues that the current student loan system is unsustainable, leading to skyrocketing tuition costs and creating a bubble that will eventually burst. Mark Schneider counters this argument by pointing out that federal regulations have helped to provide more transparency in higher education institutions, which has allowed students to make more informed decisions about their education.
The episode ends with a cliffhanger, with the panelists yet to come to a consensus on the issue. The discussion continues on the next episode, where the debate becomes more heated as the panelists try to clarify their arguments and rebut each other's positions.
In summary, Resolved: That the Feds Should Get Out of Higher Education-Part I is an engaging and informative episode of Firing Line that tackles a controversial and complex issue. The panelists provide a range of perspectives and arguments, making this an episode that will stimulate thought and discussion among viewers.