Book SummaryAfter the Ivory Tower Falls, by Will Bunch

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of After the Ivory Tower Falls

The Purpose and Role of America's Universities

This section of the book examines the evolving views on higher education in America, starting with the optimistic postwar vision of college as a public good and its subsequent decline amid rising costs and shifting societal values. Bunch contrasts the idealistic aims of making college a driver of social mobility and democratic values with the realities of privatization, student debt, and a growing divide between those who benefit from higher learning and those who don't.

Postwar Vision: Public Benefit and College as a Mobility Engine

Following World War II, the United States embraced an expanded vision of higher education, fueled by the G.I. Bill's accomplishments and the belief that a more educated citizenry was crucial for national prosperity and global stability. This section delves into the pivotal role of the 1944 G.I. Bill in expanding college access, the Truman Commission's ambitious goals for universal higher education and broad-based learning, and the emergence of the "multiversity" concept alongside a growing emphasis on vocational training.

1944 G.I. Bill and College Access Expansion

The author, Will Bunch, uses Don Balfour's experiences—the first veteran to receive benefits under the 1944 Servicemen’s Readjustment Act—to illustrate the transformative impact of this legislation. Before the G.I. Bill, college was largely seen as a privilege reserved for the wealthy elite. Only 5% of American adults possessed a college degree. Many, including university presidents, doubted that veterans from the working class would be able to succeed in college. However, the provisions for tuition, books, and living stipends in the legislation led to an unprecedented surge in enrollment.

Countless veterans took advantage of these benefits, defying expectations and outperforming "civilian" students. The G.I. Bill's effectiveness not only helped veterans like Balfour achieve upward mobility but also reshaped public perception of who deserved access to higher education. This era saw a notable increase in the number of engineers, scientists, and teachers, fueling postwar economic growth and solidifying the belief that college was a route to achieving the American Dream. However, Bunch highlights the limitations of the legislation, particularly its uneven impact on Black people and women, who faced systemic barriers and discriminatory practices that limited their access to its benefits.

Practical Tips

• Create a personal timeline of major life events and identify any government or organizational milestones that could offer benefits or support, similar to how the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act was a milestone for veterans. This could include turning points such as graduating from college, starting a business, or retiring, and the corresponding support systems available at those times.
• Create a personal learning plan that incorporates free or low-cost educational resources. Recognize that learning doesn't have to be tied to a formal institution. Take advantage of open educational resources, such as MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), public libraries, and free online tutorials to design a self-directed learning journey that aligns with your interests and career goals. This approach embraces the idea that education can be both affordable and tailored to individual needs.
• Explore local history by visiting a nearby veterans' organization to learn about the impact of the G.I. Bill in your community. By engaging with veterans and exploring archives, you can gain a personal understanding of how educational opportunities have evolved and appreciate the historical context of higher education in America.
• You can mentor a working-class veteran in college by offering guidance and support through their academic journey. By becoming a mentor, you provide a real-life example of someone who believes in their potential. This can be done by reaching out to local veterans' associations or colleges with veteran programs and offering your time to help with studies, share professional experiences, or provide moral support.
• Consider employer-sponsored educational benefits if you're currently employed. Some companies provide tuition assistance programs as part of their benefits package. Discuss with your HR department about available options and how you can take advantage of them to further your education, just as the G.I. Bill supports service members.
• Start a social media campaign to raise awareness about the benefits of recent educational legislation among potential college students. Use platforms like Instagram or Twitter to share information, resources, and personal stories that highlight the positive impact of increased college enrollment, encouraging others to pursue higher education.
• Implement a personal after-action review (AAR) for your academic work, a concept used in the military to analyze and learn from completed missions. After each major assignment or exam, take the time to reflect on what went well, what didn't, and what could be improved next time. This continuous feedback loop can help you adapt and enhance your academic strategies over time.
• Create a personal blog or vlog series documenting your journey to understand and support diverse access to higher education. Share stories of individuals who have overcome barriers to higher education, discuss policies that impact access, and reflect on your own learning process. This will not only help you process what you're learning but also spread awareness and potentially inspire others to take action.
• Volunteer at local schools, science fairs, or community centers to support educational programs in these subjects. This hands-on experience can provide insight into the teaching process and the importance of these professions in shaping future generations.
• Create a personal development plan that mirrors the structure of the G.I. Bill by setting clear...

After the Ivory Tower Falls Summary Student Loan Crisis and the Changing Value of a College Degree

This section of "After the Ivory Tower Falls" explores how rising student loan debt and changing workforce demands have transformed the value of a college diploma, creating a debt crisis for millions while simultaneously devaluing the credential itself. Bunch examines the exploitative tactics of colleges that operate for profit, the racial and economic disparities in debt burdens, and the growing disconnect between the skills students learn in college and the actual needs of the modern job market.

How Debt From Student Loans Affects Young Americans

Bunch argues that the crisis of student loans is a direct result of treating college as something privately valuable rather than a public benefit. The rapid escalation of tuition, fueled by privatization and university competition, forced millions of families to rely on borrowing to finance their children's education, creating a debt burden of $1.7 trillion that disproportionately impacts young adults. This section delves into the specific ways this debt affects young Americans, hindering their ability to achieve financial stability and postponing major life milestones.

Commercial Schools Targeting Vulnerable...

After the Ivory Tower Falls Summary Impact of Financialization and Privatizing Colleges and Universities

This section examines the consequences of treating post-secondary institutions like businesses, fueled by both public disinvestment and a market-driven approach that prioritizes prestige and profit over accessibility and low costs. Bunch lays out how the pursuit of revenue and rankings has eroded the values of public higher education, leading to a reliance on wealthy out-of-state and international students while simultaneously undermining academic quality and affordability for most Americans.

Corporate Takeover and "Business Model" Approach to Universities

Bunch argues that the shift toward a business model approach to higher education represents a fundamental departure from the postwar vision of universities serving the public. This section highlights the increasing influence of corporate values and practices on university policies, particularly the prioritization of prestige and “branding” over accessibility and being affordable. This model, he asserts, treats students as consumers and education as a commodity to be marketed and sold, undermining the core values of liberal learning and social mobility.

Luxury Amenities and Prioritizing Reputation Over...

After the Ivory Tower Falls Summary Campus Activism, Cultural Divides, and Political Retaliation in Academia

This section examines the complex interplay between campus activism, cultural divisions, and political backlash in U.S. colleges and universities. Bunch traces the roots of the "culture wars" to the student protest movements of the 1960s and '70s, highlighting both the transformative impact of these movements in challenging social inequalities and the conservative backlash that sought to silence dissent and reassert traditional values.

Student Protest Movements' Rise in '60s & '70s

The author contends that the student activism of the 1960s and 1970s marked a critical turning point in the history of U.S. colleges and universities, politicizing campuses and highlighting the interconnectedness of social justice issues with the broader structures of power. This section explores the rise of student movements like the Free Speech Movement at Berkeley and the growing influence of identity politics on campus culture, emphasizing how these protests challenged not only university policies but also broader societal norms and injustices.

Berkeley Free Speech Movement and Higher Ed Politicization

The 1964 Free Speech Movement (FSM) at Berkeley, sparked by the university's ban on...

After the Ivory Tower Falls Summary Reforming and Transforming the U.S. Higher Education System

Facing soaring tuition, crushing debt burdens, and a widening gap between college-educated individuals and those who are left behind, America needs a radical reinvention of its higher education system. This section explores a range of proposals aimed at addressing the "college problem," including free public universities and student debt forgiveness, expanded community college access, and universal national service programs. Bunch examines both the potential benefits and the significant political and logistical challenges associated with each of these proposals, emphasizing the need for a fundamental shift in how America views and values higher education.

Waiving Public University Fees and Canceling Student Debt

The escalating cost of college and the skyrocketing student loan debt have led to a growing movement for "free college" and debt forgiveness plans, spearheaded by progressive politicians like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. These proposals aim to restore postsecondary education as a publicly accessible resource, making it affordable for all Americans without the burden of crushing debt. However, these ambitious plans face challenges in both politics and...