Keeping Hogwarts Open: Harry Potter in Higher Education

Abstract

“Cancel culture” can be used in punitive ways to withdraw financial or intellectual support from those whose perspectives are deemed offensive. Some suggest disengaging from authors, artists, donors, institutional founders, and others whose histories and perspectives are problematic. However, what do student affairs professionals do about what students bring with them to college? Ignoring what they learned before college is contrary to student affairs work and missed opportunities for moral development and to practice critical thinking. J. K. Rowling is one example of a problematic author whose work has had tremendous influence on college students. Here we examine the tension between the Harry Potter series and the opinions of the series author.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

¹ Harry Potter in italics refers to published works. When not italicized Harry Potter refers to the character’s name.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michelle Boettcher

^a

Michelle Boettcher ([email protected]) is an associate professor in the higher education and student affairs program at Clemson University.

Halie Swanson

^b

Halie Swanson ([email protected]) is a student development coordinator at Northern Arizona University.

Colby Brown

^c

Colby Brown ([email protected]) is a career coach in Business Career Services at the University of Utah.

Sydney Wein

^d

Sydney Wein ([email protected]) is a residence hall director at the University of Connecticut.

Nikalette Zina

^e

Nikalette Zina ([email protected]) is a residence life coordinator at the University of South Carolina.