By Jonathan Eberle |
An event hosted this week by Arizona State University is drawing fire from critics who say the public institution is promoting radical ideologies under the guise of social justice. The event, titled “Social Justice in Action: Conversing with the Contributors” centered around a book that explores themes of dismantling oppressive systems to create more inclusive communities.
The book—whose cover features flames and a chapter titled “Burning It Down Means Building Community”—has stirred controversy online and among some faculty and taxpayers. Chapters in the book also include titles such as “The Cost of the System of White Supremacy,” “Starting with the Children,” and “Incorporating Antispeciesism in Social Justice Praxis.”
Critics argue the event’s messaging is especially ill-timed, coinciding with scenes of unrest in Los Angeles where demonstrators have torched police vehicles, vandalized property, and waved international flags amid protests. While the book’s authors frame their arguments in metaphorical terms—advocating for a “radical unmaking” of existing social systems—detractors say the rhetoric is irresponsible and could be interpreted as condoning violence.
Dr. Owen Anderson, a professor and public commentator who wrote a critical piece about the event, called it “academic nonsense” and accused the university of pushing divisive and destructive ideas under the umbrella of taxpayer-supported education.
“This is not fringe. This is not some flyer left in the faculty lounge by a confused grad student who read Foucault one too many times,” Anderson wrote. “No, this is an official ASU event advertised on their my.asu page. Celebrated. Promoted. Funded (spoiler alert) by you. Which raises a burning question (no pun intended): how long have professors been preparing students for just such a moment?”
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
