Author: Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig

  • The term “Cultural Revolution” is most closely associated with China’s Proletarian Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) and Iran’s Cultural Revolution (1980–1987)—two radical movements that upended institutions, targeted intellectuals, and reshaped society to fit ideological purity tests. These revolutions led to the purging of educators, the rewriting of history, and the persecution of those who refused to conform. Now, in 21st-century America, we are…

    America’s Cultural Revolution is Here: The Parallels We Can’t Ignore
  • First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Jew. Then they…

    History Warns Us: Have a Plan for When They Try to Disappear You
  • In Gaza, the Israeli military’s ongoing assault has taken the lives of more than 100 professors and academics, a staggering blow to higher education, intellectual progress, and the future of Palestinian students. Among those killed are three distinguished university presidents, each of whom dedicated their lives to education, scientific advancement, and the empowerment of their…

    The Killing of Gaza’s University Presidents and the Destruction of Palestinian Academia
  • Leadership in education is always a test of vision, resilience, and the ability to balance competing demands. But when crises hit—whether it’s a global pandemic, budget shortfalls, or political interference—true leadership is revealed. Some leaders rise to the moment, navigating challenges with integrity and a focus on long-term solutions. Others react in ways that destabilize…

    The Leaders We Need: How Changemakers Will Save Education from Collapse
  • “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press…”—First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. For those of you carrying pocket-sized Constitutions, here’s a reminder: the First Amendment explicitly protects free speech and a free press. Yet today, the…

    The Shocking Truth: How Authoritarians Are Attacking Freedom in America Right Now

Cloaking Inequity is an online platform for justice and liberty-minded readers. I publish reflections, analysis, and commentary on education, democracy, culture, and politics.

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Email me at jvh@alumni.stanford.edu