Proposed Topics for President Ryan's Podcast

Written By James Bacon

University of Virginia President Jim Ryan hosts "Inside UVA," a podcast designed to highlight the "inner workings" of the University of Virginia. Over the past two seasons, he has chatted with figures ranging from Rector Whitt Clement to alumni such as Katie Couric, administrators such as Provost Ian Baucom, and students such as Lauren Kim, chair of the University Judiciary Committee -- 22 in all, so far. You can see the list here.The "Inside UVA" promo bills the podcast as featuring "candid, open conversations."No one from The Jefferson Council has been invited to appear... yet. But if President Ryan is interested in having a candid, open, civil conversation with someone who wishes UVa well but questions current policies and priorities, we'd be happy to volunteer. We'd even be willing to suggest some topics.What does he mean when he says that UVa can be both "great and good"? Does being "good" encompass anything beyond "social justice" and "sustainability"?What are his thoughts on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion? Does he believe America is systemically racist? Is UVa systemically racist? Does he share Ibram Kendi's definition of "anti-racism"? Does he share Robin DiAngelo's definition of "white privilege"? How does it improve students' sense of "belonging" when DEI policy places a premium on racial, sexual and gender differences?Can he explain why UVa made the submission of SATs voluntary in the admissions process, and can he illuminate what criteria the admissions department uses in its place? To what degree are those criteria selected to engineer a particular demographic profile?Does he value intellectual diversity? Is he concerned about UVa's drift toward an intellectual monoculture? How does he respond to concerns that mandatory submission of "diversity statements" weeds out anyone with conservative, libertarian or even middle-of-the-road political views?Alumni, parents, students and faculty members might have other questions for President Ryan. If you have other questions, please submit them in the comments section. Perhaps the Jefferson Council will have the opportunity to raise them one day.

James Bacon

After a 25-year career in Virginia journalism, James A. Bacon founded Bacon’s Rebellion in 2002 a blog with the goal of “Reinventing Virginia for the 21st Century.” Its focus is on building more prosperous, livable and sustainable communities. In recent years he has concentrated more on the spread of “woke” ideology in K-12 schools, the criminal justice system, higher education, and medicine.

In 2021, he co-founded The Jefferson Council to preserve free speech, intellectual diversity, and the Jeffersonian legacy at his alma mater the University of Virginia. He previously served as the organization’s executive director, now serving as congributing editor.

Aside from blogging, Bacon writes books. His first was Boomergeddon: How Runaway Deficits Will Bankrupt the Country and Ruin Retirement for Aging Baby Boomers — And What You Can Do About It, followed by Maverick Miner: How E. Morgan Massey Became a Coal Industry Legend and a work of science fiction, Dust Mites: the Siege of Airlock Three.

A Virginian through-and-through, Bacon lives in Richmond with his wife Laura.

https://www.baconsrebellion.com/wp/
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