In 2022, legal expert Ilya Shapiro faced a significant challenge with cancel culture. A tweet he posted, which he later recognized as poorly phrased, led to accusations of racism. This situation prompted an investigation by Georgetown University Law Center, where he had just been appointed to lead the Center for the Constitution.
Although Georgetown cleared Shapiro’s name after months of scrutiny, the damage had already been done, leading him to resign shortly after starting his new position.
Now, three years after that controversial tweet, Shapiro has gained traction for his concerns about what he calls the “illiberal takeover” of higher education, particularly within law schools. His ideas are explored in his book, Lawless: The Miseducation of America’s Elite.
Recent events, such as the October 2023 Hamas attacks and the surge of antisemitism in top American universities, have elevated discussions about the state of higher education. Shapiro argues these incidents highlight serious dysfunction within educational institutions.
He emphasizes that his concerns aren’t simply about conservative viewpoints being overshadowed in law schools. Shapiro explains that this isn’t just a long-standing complaint about political leanings among faculty but a deeper problem affecting the legal profession itself.
Shapiro fears that students are being taught to avoid open discussions and diverse perspectives. He believes this is harmful. Good lawyers must understand differing sides of issues to effectively represent their clients.
Moreover, Shapiro points out that the influence of law schools extends beyond the classroom. Lawyers often play key roles in politics and society, making it crucial that they receive a well-rounded education.
He contrasts the significance of law schools with other academic disciplines. While issues in fields like English or sociology are unfortunate, Shapiro insists that decisions made in law schools impact public life directly. This connection to real-world implications underscores why the integrity of legal education matters.
Shapiro also brings attention to troubling examples from law schools, including incidents where student groups at Berkeley Law refused to allow certain speakers based on their political views. These situations, he believes, reflect a growing trend where dissenting opinions are marginalized.
He attributes much of this climate to increasing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on campuses, which he argues have begun to overly influence academic environments. Despite some major companies reconsidering their DEI programs recently, Shapiro notes that many law schools have not followed suit.
In his vision for law schools, Shapiro calls for a more balanced presentation of viewpoints and reaffirms that the legal system, albeit imperfect, still merits respect and belief in its potential for justice.
Shapiro believes addressing the current issues in legal education is feasible. He insists that university leaders only need to enforce their policies and stand firm against pressure from vocal groups. “It’s not rocket science,” he states, underscoring the need for straightforward solutions.
This spring, Shapiro is embarking on a book tour, including a stop at Georgetown, marking his return to a place he left under difficult circumstances.
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