Today's system of learning beyond high school, like every part of society, can be improved. But curbing academic freedom or limiting campus speech isn’t the answer, writes Lumina Foundation's Jamie Merisotis in this op-ed.

An emphasis on open discussion and the chance to hear opposing viewpoints and grapple with difficult concepts make college special. These are the things that help colleges produce well-rounded students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive, in the workplace and in life, he says.

Photo: Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times

The journey to college has not been easy for Jonathan Cornejo. The son of a single immigrant mother from El Salvador, Cornejo had no home Wi-Fi or working laptop for stretches at a time or a study space in the family’s cramped apartment.

Yet, Cornejo persevered, earning a 4.0 GPA. Last month, he received a coveted admission offer from his dream school, top-rated UC San Diego. But Cornejo is planning to go to a community college. Even with a substantial financial aid offer, he can’t afford the University of California—and he’s not alone.

Approximately one in five college students is a student parent. A majority identify as women or students of color, particularly Black and Latina students. Although student parents often perform better academically than their non-parenting peers, they are less likely to graduate from college.

In this interview, David Croom of the Aspen Institute discusses his work as a student-parent advocate, what is needed in the field, and why the best solutions must be built together with student parents.