Winter is Coming: Have Colleges and Universities Become the New Game of Thrones?

The climate of U.S. higher education has drastically changed resembling an intricate plot from the famous HBO movie series, “Game of Thrones”. The conflict and politics come with various factions, power struggles, and hidden agendas. However, in this particular case, the series would be called The Power Grab, Us Against Them, or The Ashes of Liberation. Also, instead of having characters like Cersei, Daenerys, Jon Snow, and Arya who represent the houses Stark, Targaryen, Lannister and Baratheon, Tyrell, Greyjoy, and Arryn. Cast names would be Pheon, Dirkka, Adi, Nuru, and Eirene. Leaders of the House of Transformists, Goodfellows, Shade Throwers, Deception, and Side Swipers. All battling for control of the kingdom or realm (i.e., institution). Ironically, each group believes control belongs to them due to their positionality, legacy, years of service, race, gender, and/or bloodline which entitles them to lead the organization to glory and greatness. Unfortunately, there are no fire-breathing dragons, which would be epic, however, there are people and groups who would scorch the earth (i.e., campus) to defend their ideological beliefs, quest, and, philosophies, no matter how uninformed or misdirected their actions. Of course, with every great storyline, there must be deception, political manipulation, infighting, terminations (death), romance affairs, alliances, financial influence, and scandals. All under the false perception or illusion of shared governance, equity, access, justice, and human rights. This may sound fare-fetch but let’s compare:

Power Struggles: Different houses in Game of Thrones vie for power and control.  Universities often have internal power struggles among faculty, administration, and student groups. These power dynamics can lead to political maneuvering, alliances, and rivalries.

Academic Departments as Houses: In Game of Thrones, each house has its distinct identity and interests. Similarly, academic departments within a university can be seen as separate houses, each with its own priorities, faculty members, and academic traditions. Interactions and conflicts between departments can shape the university's overall dynamics.

Institutional Reputation: In Game of Thrones, each house seeks to protect and enhance its reputation, as it affects its standing in the realm. Similarly, universities place great importance on their reputation and rankings, often engaging in strategic moves to improve their standing through research achievements, faculty recruitment, and successful alumni.

Student Organizations as Factions: Student organizations within universities can be likened to factions within the Game of Thrones plot. These groups often have their own goals, values, and methods of pursuing their interests. They may compete for resources, influence university policies, and engage in political activism.

University Leadership as Rulers: Just as the rulers in Game of Thrones hold significant power and influence, university leadership, such as the president or chancellor, plays a crucial role in decision-making, resource allocation, and setting the direction of the institution. Their decisions can impact various stakeholders and trigger conflicts or alliances.

Competition for Funding: In the realm of universities, obtaining funding for research, infrastructure, or scholarships can be fiercely competitive. This mirrors the struggle for resources and wealth in Game of Thrones, where houses often vie for control of valuable territories and assets.

Quest for Knowledge and Advancement: Game of Thrones revolves around the pursuit of power.  Universities focus on power, a quest for knowledge, and academic advancement. Faculties and researchers are driven by their desire to contribute to their respective fields, earn recognition, and make groundbreaking discoveries.

Intellectual Debates and Alliances: In both universities and Game of Thrones, there are intellectual debates and alliances formed around interests and missions. Scholars, faculty members, and students may collaborate, form groups, or engage in ideological clashes over theories, methodologies, or academic disciplines.

This may seem comical and resemble a scene out of a movie with fictional characters of kings, queens, pawns, jesters, takeovers, and cliffhangers. Plus, a storyline that keeps you in suspense and gasping for more. There is nothing humorous about the real issues that postsecondary institutions are navigating. Higher educational institutions have become a complex landscape, riddled with power grabs, chess moves, political manipulation, and ousting which have fostered a climate of what I view as the “us” against “them” environment. Depending on the structure of your institution the “us” and “them” may or may not be clearly identified, but I am certain you are acutely aware of the power dynamics and power struggle. You can almost sense the chilling frost in the air and feel that winter is coming, or in some cases, winter has arrived.

Unfortunately, with all your attempts to remain on the perimeters of the battle, you are constantly drawn in, recruited, or forced to be an unwilling participant in a turf war, when all you want to do is serve the students and promote an atmosphere of inclusivity and success.  Such as the role of Tyrion Lannister or Varys who serve as the trusted advisor and strategist to Daenerys Targaryen “Mother of Dragons”, your voice becomes drift in the wind, reason seems unreasonable, then eventually you enter the stage of silence or conformity.  The natural human instinct is to pivot to survival mode, so now the only goal is to not become a casualty in the senseless chaos. Eventually, comes the isolation, depression, anxiety, and finally the quiet quitting.

Historically, colleges and universities have always existed as a political battleground, where healthy discourse was expected and should be encouraged, but with respect and humanity. Instead, there is a level of toxic behavior that now permeates and derails productive dialogue. The toxicity is on full display across the U.S. as politicians and universities continue to debate issues of DEI, free speech, LGBT+ rights, free speech, gun control, Tran-rights, Affirmative actions, student loan debt, and faculty tenure.

Higher educational institutions can be amazing places to work where you get to interact with young developing minds, scholarly faculty, caring administrators, and remain on the cutting edge of innovative ideas and emerging research. However, lately, employees have been struggling due to the pandemic, social justice unrest, and the polarizing political environment. In addition to having to navigate controversial issues regarding diversity equity & inclusion, free speech, trans rights, and affirmative action, they have had to sometimes navigate a toxic work environment. An environment that resembles the Game of Thrones series, but without the option to pause, rewind or cancel the drama. Many of these employees regret having to leave the institution but feel it is the only corrective course. Action that puts them back in control of their own psychological, physiological, and professional well-being.

Higher educational leaders it is time to get back to what we do best, which is cultivating new knowledge, educating students, and promoting an environment of belonging and inclusivity. This will entail intentionally and strategically fostering an atmosphere of collaboration, safety, development, and healthy dialogue. And yes, leaders this is what we signed up for when the job was accepted. This role requires and demands that we manage our personal chaos, to ensure that our people are safe and secure. I recommend reading, “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek, which argues that a primary obligation of a leader is to prioritize the needs of their team above their own. Institutions have become distracted by toxic political detractors whose goal is to use colleges and universities as a tool in their bureaucratic endeavors.

Time out on the infighting, deception, political manipulation, gaslighting, microaggressive behaviors, racial biases, isms, and using staff and students as pawns. Of course, drama cannot be totally eliminated or separated from organizational structures, as it is baked into human behavior.  Plus, a bit of drama keeps things interesting, generates creative ideas, and sometimes can be fun to watch unfold. However, when it becomes divisive and seeks to destroy instead of build, all in the name of the greater good, then it becomes problematic. Let’s leave the toxic drama for the movies, not the college campus.