How university indoctrination turned deadly, and why one scholar says it’s only getting worse

The tragic death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and a violent school shooting in Minneapolis have sparked renewed concern over violence driven by ideological conflicts.

Dr. Corey Miller, who leads Ratio Christi, a Christian apologetics group active on college campuses, shared with Fox News Digital, “The happenings on university grounds are a reflection of broader cultural shifts.”

He elaborated, stating, “Politics is a byproduct of cultural trends, and culture itself is influenced by educational institutions.”

Kirk was tragically killed during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in September. Just weeks before, a shooter at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis claimed the lives of two children and injured 18 others. This has ignited debates among lawmakers and experts about the possible ideological motivations behind these acts.

Dr. Corey Miller giving a lecture.

Dr. Corey Miller cautions that universities might be fostering an “assassination culture” in America through the propagation of Marxist ideologies.

An established philosopher and author of “The Progressive Miseducation of America,” Miller asserts that the nation’s culture wars have their roots in educational settings.

Miller argues universities are breeding grounds for ideological intolerance, laying blame on Marxist ideas.

“There is a postmodern kind of cultural Marxism that is being taught at the universities that feed this hostility of what is an assassination culture. It is a lower view of human life,” he reasoned.

Demonstrators protest in support of universities.

Studies show professors fear open dialogue as cancel culture spreads across campuses. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Miller told Fox News Digital the Marxist worldview taught at many universities turns people against one another by emphasizing social status and identity.

“Any kind of inequality whatsoever is viewed as injustice, and it really ignites a firestorm under students to feel like they’ve got the ability to service in the cause of justice,” Miller said.

Several studies back up Miller’s warning. A survey by Inside Higher Ed found that 87% of professors struggle to discuss politics on campus. Another by Hanover Research found more than 90% believe academic freedom is under threat. A Harvard paper reached a similar conclusion, citing a growing “cancel culture” in higher education.

Couple standing in front of Annunciation Church and School.

Miller urges debate, not censorship, saying truth depends on the “competition of ideas.” (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Miller warns that what starts on campus doesn’t stay there, saying the answer is more debate, not censorship.

“The pursuit of truth requires the competition of ideas,” he added. 

Miller says that rejecting God, as philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche warned, ultimately leads to rejecting the value of human life.

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