Developing National and International Civic Engagement Networks: The International Consortium for Higher Education, Civic Responsibility, and Democracy

Abstract

The signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 1993 paved way for many changes in Mexico, not only in the economy but in all areas of society. It has accelerated changes in education generally and, particularly in elementary and secondary education, created common cause among teachers’ unions throughout North America.² These worries extended to higher education as well. Writing for the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Guillermo de los Reyes opined that NAFTA “… has made Mexican academics mindful of the fact that U.S. universities in the new economic climate should be regarded as more than teaching institutions—they are a global economic resource that has and will have a profound influence on people who will never visit their campuses. The question of how Mexican researchers and academics are going to come to terms with the situation becomes pressing as NAFTA lowers the protective barriers. The illusion of being an equal partner or of being able to compete in many sectors is dangerous, particularly in the university sector.”³

For more details, contact fplantan@sas.upenn.edu. From a report on the “Universities as Sites of Citizenship Project on the Role of Universities in Democracy, Human Rights and Civics Education.”