Afternoon Update: The problem of intellectual passivity for today's students (opinion)

Sociology politicized; when overscheduled students lack time; protest crushed at Wayne State U.; two other colleges make deals on protests; and more. ADVERTISEMENT [Afternoon Update Logo]( You can also [read this newsletter on the web](. Or, if you no longer want to receive this newsletter, [unsubscribe](. THE REVIEW | ESSAY [Algorithms and the Problem of Intellectual Passivity]( By Eileen G'Sell [STORY IMAGE]( Our students are used to everything being tailored to them. That’s a problem. ADVERTISEMENT [Algorithms and the Problem of Intellectual Passivity]( THE REVIEW | OPINION [Against the Politicization of Sociology]( By Steven Lubet [STORY IMAGE]( A recent resolution on the war in Gaza reads like advocacy. That’s inappropriate. TEACHING [What to Do When Students Don’t Have Time]( By Beckie Supiano [STORY IMAGE]( Two professors share how they respond to overscheduled students. CAMPUS UNREST [Protests Continue After Police Clear Pro-Palestinian Encampment at Wayne State U.]( The week-old protest was broken up by more than a dozen of the Michigan university’s security officers early Thursday. Four protesters were arrested. U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, confronted a police officer about tearing off one protester’s hijab. The university said it had sent in the police, equipped with riot gear, for safety reasons. (The Detroit News) THE ALTERNATIVE [Gaza-War Protesters Agree to Dismantle Tent Camp at Western Washington U.]( The two-week-old encampment will be taken down following negotiations that resulted in an agreement whose terms will be disclosed on Friday, the university’s president said. A similar encampment was [voluntarily dismantled]( on Wednesday at the University of Denver. (The Bellingham Herald, KMGH) IN THE COURTS [U. of Chicago Settles Pandemic-Era Tuition Lawsuit for $4.95 Million]( The plaintiffs, who sought class-action status for the lawsuit, said the university owed them partial tuition refunds for the spring quarter of 2020, when Chicago, like other colleges, shifted to remote instruction as the pandemic surged. The suit also claimed breach of contract and unjust enrichment. Under the settlement, students enrolled at the time will each receive at least $25. (Chicago Sun-Times) UPCOMING PROGRAM [The Chronicle's Strategic-Leadership Program for Department Chairs | June 2024] [Join us in June]( for a professional development program tailored to the needs of department chairs. Experienced academic leaders will provide insights on the current trends in higher ed, effective ways to manage a department, strategic planning, and more. [Register today!]( SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to essential news, analysis, and advice. Virtual Events: Tune In Live RURAL COLLEGES [College Partnerships to Fuel Rural Development]( [STORY IMAGE]( UPCOMING: June 11, 2024 | 2 p.m. ET. Rural colleges are often hundreds of miles from other higher-education institutions, so they must form partnerships outside the sector to achieve their goals. With Support From Ascendium. [Register here.]( STUDENT SUCCESS [Improving the First-Year Experience]( [STORY IMAGE]( UPCOMING: June 12, 2024 | 2 p.m. ET. Freshman year is make or break for many students, especially those with social, emotional, or logistical challenges. Join us to explore how to make the first year great for them. With Support From Mongoose. [Register here.]( ADVERTISEMENT FROM THE CHRONICLE STORE [Fostering Students' Free Expression - Buy Now]( [Higher Education in 2035]( Higher education is facing an array of challenges: economic headwinds, political pressures, and shifting demographics. [Order your copy]( to help your institution prepare for what’s ahead, and discover how the sector will evolve in the coming decade. JOB OPPORTUNITIES [Search jobs on The Chronicle job board]( [Find Your Next Role Today]( Whether you are actively or passively searching for your next career opportunity, The Chronicle is here to support you throughout your job search. Get started now by [exploring 30,000+ openings]( or [signing up for job alerts](. NEWSLETTER FEEDBACK [Please let us know what you thought of today's newsletter in this three-question survey](. This newsletter was sent to {EMAIL}. [Read this newsletter on the web](. [Manage]( your newsletter preferences, [stop receiving]( this email, or [view]( our privacy policy. © 2024 [The Chronicle of Higher Education]( 1255 23rd Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037