Instagram/@hillaryclintonThe Columbia University professor Keren Yarhi-Milo mentioned that it is a tradition to take a selfie with smiling Hillary Clinton for the course “Inside the Situation Room,” taught at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs. The post somehow raises the notion of class sizes 2023 and 2025, picturing an engaged student body undertaking the study for such an esteemed academic opportunity.
Advertisement
This particular shot stood out, as both Yarhi-Milo and Clinton smiled down at the packed house of very eager students, showing just how popular this course had become and how passionately the students awaited Clinton’s insight into diplomatic and crisis management scenarios. Yarhi-Milo’s caption goes right into the increasing attendance, suggesting that students currently are engaging the material and guest speakers more than ever before.
The Clinton name and presence cast a shadow over a divided commentariat. Pro-post commentators were awestruck by the determination with which Clinton constantly has involved herself in education—a commenter said: “What an amazing opportunity. So glad these students get to learn from you and Secretary Hillary Clinton!” Another added, “Hillary, I love you. Please know that,” followed by heart emojis.
International well-wishers followed, with a Korean fan writing in a translated form of English, “Teacher Hillary.. please live long and healthily~!! Cheering for you from Korea too..” A Russian follower chimed in: “Hillary Clinton thank you for the selfie, I am very grateful to you for this!!!!”
These detractors chose the occasion to voice some of their old and long-standing issues. One wondered about the value of this course: “How much are you grifting from these young people? Preparing them to be un-useful, unemployable and in monstrous debt…” Others responded in defense citing Columbia’s renowned reputation and great standing of its graduates in the workforce.
Some scathing remarks may have been referring to earlier scandals; i.e.: “Wow class that teaches how to be corrupt! Wow!”, and the other possibly allusive to the Monica Lewinsky affair: “I can see monica lewensky 👀”. The most hostile ones went all the way: “CAN’T WAIT to see your wide ass being hauled away in leg chains and handcuffs.”
There was, of course, quite a bit going on commentary about politics, but some did focus on education. One asked, “Situation room course??? What is it? Is it in zoom..?” while another simply confirmed, “My grandson’s girlfriend is in that class.”
Inside the Situation Room has gained a reputation at Columbia SIPA for attracting high-profile guest speakers such as Clinton to provide students with a first-person view of the national-security decision-making process. Yarhi-Milo has maintained this tradition despite the political tensions that invariably envelope any of Clinton’s appearances.
Advertisement
That divided response to the Yarhi-Milo post speaks to the ongoing politicization of education that especially occurs whenever someone as prominent and polarizing as Hillary Clinton is involved. Yet, however, sustained student interest in these courses reflects upon how many still consider the opportunity to learn directly from practitioners of the craft half-worthy of a political battle.
