Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education
Date of this Version
Spring 1980
Document Type
Article
Abstract
During the 1960's, there was a good deal of concern about college students. Brought up and socialized in a peaceful, prosperous era, showered with love and affection by their parents, and provided with the finest education and life-style that money could buy, American youth experienced a series of shocks when they confronted the unfortunate realities of their own society (prejudice, inequality, etc.), and the seemingly brutal conduct of that society toward other societies (the Vietnam War). Students responded to these shocks passionately, rejecting the values of their parents, dreaming of a more harmonious world, and challenging their educational institutions to deal more directly with social and ethical issues.
On campuses throughout the country, student protests compelled college personnel to undertake a reexamination of the educational process, its responsibilities to youth and society, and to fashion a new role for students in educational decision-making bodies. I was a college student during the 1960's and I felt excited about my generation's challenge to political, social and educational institutions.
Comments
Published in the POD Quarterly, Vol. 2, No. 1 (Spring 1980)