Princeton Professor Offers Insight to Young Conservatives on Identity

A Princeton professor, who has taught for nearly 40 years, addresses the concerns of conservative students on campus. Many of these students, who hold pro-Israel, conservative, or religious beliefs, fear discrimination from faculty and peers. Instances of this discrimination include a student being removed from a sports team leadership position for her views on policing and a Black conservative student being expelled from a group chat for attending a pro-life event. Additionally, Jewish student journalists faced restrictions after reporting on pro-Palestine protests. The professor advises students to stand firm in their beliefs and not to succumb to victimhood. He emphasizes the importance of independent thinking and warns against the dangers of grievance identitarianism, which can lead to tribalism. This mindset detracts from the primary purpose of attending university, which is to engage in critical thinking and learning. The professor's insights reflect a broader concern about the academic environment for conservative students, who often feel marginalized in a predominantly liberal setting. He encourages these students to exercise their rights to express dissenting opinions and to challenge the prevailing campus orthodoxy. Ultimately, the professor's message is one of empowerment, urging students to embrace their identities without allowing grievances to define them. By fostering a culture of open dialogue and respect for diverse viewpoints, the academic community can better support all students in their pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.