The landscape of public higher education is undergoing significant changes, raising critical questions about its future. In The Vulnerability of Public Higher Education, Michael Bernard-Donals addresses the pressing issues that threaten the integrity and values of academic institutions. This book delves into the complexities arising from reduced state funding, the removal of tenure from legislation, and attempts to silence faculty voices.

As funding diminishes, public institutions find themselves in precarious positions, struggling to maintain their commitments to democratizing knowledge and fostering expertise. Bernard-Donals carefully examines how these values, once foundational to higher education, are being challenged and called into question.

Bernard-Donals presents a compelling argument that the vulnerability faced by public higher education is not merely an obstacle, but rather an opportunity for faculty to engage in solidarity. This perspective encourages educators to recognize their shared experiences of precarity and to forge connections that enhance their collective strength.

Through a series of insightful case studies, the author explores key themes such as faculty rights and responsibilities, the effectiveness of diversity initiatives, and the implications of tenure and academic freedom. Each case study offers a window into the realities of academic life, revealing the ways in which vulnerability can reshape the faculty experience.

Bernard-Donals employs a rhetorical perspective to analyze these themes, illustrating how vulnerability can lead to new forms of deliberation and engagement. The book encourages faculty and institutions alike to reconsider their approaches to knowledge production and power dynamics within academia.

Ultimately, The Vulnerability of Public Higher Education serves as an essential resource for educators, administrators, and policymakers. It invites readers to reflect on the current state of higher education and to envision a future where vulnerability is embraced as a catalyst for meaningful change.