As a junior in college, I’ve been on a clear path since the beginning: a humanities major, a love for literature, and eventually law school. But over the years, the landscape of education has shifted dramatically. In the past decade, humanities enrollment has dropped by 17 percent. This reflects a deeper change in what people value in education.
Today, education is often all about results. Many students focus on their GPA, job prospects, and academic rankings. They choose majors that promise quick financial returns rather than pursuing knowledge for its own sake. This results-driven mindset can lead to a lack of genuine learning and creativity, with students increasingly turning to academic dishonesty or leaning on AI for help with simple tasks.
This shift in focus also affects how we perceive the humanities. As society emphasizes job-related skills and critical thinking, many view humanities studies as less valuable compared to STEM fields. While STEM is essential, the humanities enrich our culture through the arts, ethics, and philosophy. They help us understand ourselves and the world, emphasizing depth over mere difficulty.
It’s crucial to recognize the value of both approaches in education. However, the political climate in places like Florida complicates this. In 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis enforced a law requiring a survey of students and faculty to identify perceived political biases in higher education, often targeting the humanities.
Although the law was paused after a survey yielded inconclusive results, the broader legislative agenda continues to undermine humanities programs. Some courses that teach diverse perspectives, like history and literature, face removal or heavy scrutiny under laws emphasizing “Western” perspectives. This not only limits educational options but can stifle vibrant discussions necessary for a well-rounded education.
In fact, Florida’s education policies risk sidelining subjects crucial for understanding different cultures and viewpoints. Faculty members worry about losing their jobs if they engage in topics deemed politically sensitive, leading them to self-censor and neglect important discussions. This environment devalues humanities education, pushing students and professors away from important conversations on ethics, society, and culture.
The push for a narrower educational focus echoes sentiments nationwide. Past administrations have similarly challenged the role of humanities in universities, paving the way for a less inclusive academic setting. If this trend continues, we might see a decline in comprehensive education that celebrates various fields of study.
As I reflect on my time in college, I realize that my education in English has not just taught me about literature. It has enhanced my critical thinking skills and broadened my worldview. However, since starting at the University of Florida in 2022, I’ve experienced the negative impact of restrictive policies on my education.
We need to advocate for the humanities and recognize their essential role in education. The future of literacy and deep learning depends on embracing diverse perspectives and subjects that contribute to our understanding of the human experience.
Peyton Harris is a third-year English student at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on how legislation affects universities in Florida.
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