In recent years, the creeping commercialization of higher education has threatened to undermine its core values and purpose. This process, aptly termed “enshittification,” risks turning our hallowed halls of learning into mere profit centers. But all is not lost. Here’s how we can fight back and preserve the true essence of higher education
Prioritize Education Over Profit
The first step in resisting enshittification is to loudly and persistently advocate for education as the primary goal of our institutions. When universities start to resemble corporations more than centers of learning, it’s time to sound the alarm. Demand transparency in financial decisions and question initiatives that seem more focused on revenue generation than student outcomes.
Support Academic Freedom
Commercialization often leads to the suppression of ideas that don’t align with market demands or donor interests. Resist this by fiercely defending academic freedom. Encourage diverse viewpoints, protect tenure, and stand up against attempts to censor or control research directions based on financial considerations.
Foster Community Engagement
Universities should serve their communities, not just their bottom lines. Push for programs that connect students with local issues and organizations. This not only enriches the educational experience but also reinforces the role of higher education as a public good rather than a private commodity.
Embrace Open Access
The commercialization of academic publishing has put knowledge behind paywalls. Combat this by supporting open access initiatives. Encourage faculty to publish in open-access journals and advocate for institutional repositories that make research freely available to all.
In conclusion, resisting the enshittification of higher education requires vigilance, courage, and a commitment to the fundamental values of academia. By prioritizing education, protecting academic freedom, engaging with communities, and promoting open access, we can ensure that our universities remain bastions of learning and discovery, not just degree factories. The future of education—and indeed, of our society—depends on it.
