School’s back: how the neoliberal “privatization of risk” explains the deadly decision to re-open campuses

There have been at least 130,000 cases and at least 70 COVID related deaths at American colleges and universities since the pandemic begun. Yet, university campuses reopened in the Fall and continue as though the status quo must be maintained at all costs. Zachary Kaiser argues that this is reflective of the neoliberal privatisation of risk that is characteristic of the neoliberal higher education environment in the United States. This is a situation where students and employees are required to shoulder the financial and, now health risks, facing institutions. The COVID context demonstrates that this cycle is at a breaking point and radical solidarity is needed in its place.