New College, Political Polarization and the Lorax with Dr. Eric Schickler - Author of Partisan Nation

This episode of the Palm Court Podcast features an engaging conversation with Dr. Eric Schickler, a New College alum from the class of '87 and the coauthor of Partisan Nation⁠: The Dangerous New Logic of American Politics in a Nationalized Era. Eric shares his unique journey and insights into political science and the current state of higher education. Plus there's plenty of new details about the legendary Lorax Rebellion of May 1988. We kick off with Eric's unexpected path to New College. He recounts his initial culture shock upon arriving in Florida, but quickly highlights the transformative social and academic experience that followed. The conversation then delves into Eric's career as a political science professor at UC Berkeley since 1997, where he continues to be inspired by his New College education. We explore his research on nationalized polarization in the U.S., as detailed in his book, Partisan Nation, co-authored with Paul Pierson. Eric explains how this polarization differs from historical divides, as everything, including state politics, has become nationalized, leading to concerning dynamics within American politics. Crucially, Eric connects this broader political trend to the recent events at New College, viewing the "hostile takeover" by Governor DeSantis as a microcosm of nationalized polarization. He illustrates how traditionally supportive local Republican legislators, who once valued New College for its community benefits, now align with a national culture war agenda, prioritizing national political aspirations over local interests. We also discuss Eric's ongoing research into the polarization of higher education over the past 45 years. He points out a significant shift in the Republican party, moving from general support for higher education in the 1980s and 90s to increasing criticism and diminishment of its value. Then we pivot to Eric's eyewitness account of the Lorax Rebellion in 1988, a key event in New College's history. As SAC Chair at the time, Eric provides an insider's perspective on the student-led efforts to save the "grove" from airport expansion. He details the strategic involvement of lawyers, the formation of the "Save the Green Space" nonprofit, and the challenges faced in securing legal and financial support. Eric vividly recounts the emotional day of the bulldozing, the arrests of students, and the subsequent legal battles, emphasizing the unity and determination of the student body. Finally, Eric shares insights into his baccalaureate thesis, which explored government policy toward technology in the early 1990s. We close with Eric's reflection on New College's profound and lasting impact on his life and intellectual development, underscoring its unique ability to foster iconoclastic thinkers. Notes: Eric's Spring 2023 Appearance on Trending in Ed with Mike Palmer Partisan Nation: The Dangerous New Logic of American Politics in a Nationalized Era, by Paul Pierson & Eric Schickler We know Nick Tampio, editor, Journal of Politics (and Schickler too) Rolling admissions comes up a lot August 1987 SRQ: officially “hot” to “sweltering” Gene Lewis, bureaucracy scholar “Welfare Queen” was a Reagan tentpole Local conservatives like Sen. Bob Johnson and Gen. Rolland V. Heiser “My civil rights book” 1968: “the campus stuff”  1980: “end of liberal Republicans” Higher ed has risen from $385 to $9,750 annually in today’s $.  Dean Barylski, dealmaker “Secure the land to the north” still cooking We know Jonathan White and Merlin Mann, too “SAC” is “Student Allocation Committee” Rob Westerfeldt on Barylski Col. Adam Oler Judy Kavanaugh We know Jen Granick The Fauves were unrelated to Grant Morrison’s UK band.  Langdon Winner and Jacques Ellul, tech theorists P Funk, “Flash LIght” Dee-Lite, “Groove is in the Heart