Punishment is a deeply seated element of human societies and is especially prevalent in the United States. From corporal punishment of young children, to fines and penalties for infractions, to incarceration – punishment is ubiquitous and readily applied to a wide variety of circumstances. It is rare, though, to see overt signs of punishment in […]

In this provocative talk, writer and self-described socialist, Freddie deBoer, unpacks the central themes of his important book, The Cult of Smart. DeBoer challenges the shibboleths on the left and right regarding intellectual ability and school choice. He argues that intellectual differences are real and deeply consequential, as society lavishes rewards on the naturally gifted […]