I continue to be amazed at the controversy that a call for civility has provoked in the halls of academe. Chancellor Nicholas Dirks of the University of California at Berkeley sent an email to faculty and students asking them to honor the 50th anniversary of the free speech movement on campus with a focus on civility. Bloggers immediately went on social media and attacked Chancellor Dirks, indicating that his email was a direct attempt to limit free speech and academic freedom, two basic tenets of higher education.
Ted Lasso’s Playbook for Academic Leadership: Rethinking Performance Reviews
The Emmy-winning Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso (2020–) has captured hearts with its charm, but it also offered a masterclass in leadership. Ted’s approach—rooted in humility, emotional intelligence, and belief
Deborah Erickson and Katie Fischer
August 4, 2025
