The Humanities Were Never Neutral
This piece argues that the humanities have never been politically neutral, challenging the idea that scholarship should be separate from social justice. It suggests that literature and history are inherently tied to the struggle for human rights and social conditions.
Why it matters
It contributes to the ongoing academic and cultural debate regarding the purpose of higher education and the role of humanities in society.
The Atlantic June 16, 2026, 7 AM ET Share Save The Plot Against the Humanities In the March issue, Tyler Austin Harper considered what the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is doing to higher education . Explore the July 2026 Issue Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
The article explicitly advocates for the integration of social justice into academic inquiry, aligning with progressive academic perspectives.
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