Rob Wolfe

Dec 20, 2024 | washingtonmonthly.com | Rob Wolfe

Two years ago, as America reeled from the Dobbs decision, I was invited to a constitutional law conference at Georgetown University. On a bright, cold November morning, I signed in, pasted on my nametag, and walked in to see what I had expected—a stuffy conference room filled with academics. But as the day rolled on, I encountered something surprising: energy, even excitement.

Oct 29, 2024 | washingtonmonthly.com | Rob Wolfe

Ozan Jaquette, a well-respected professor of higher education at UCLA known for his academic mentorship and groundbreaking research, takes great pleasure in calling himself a “slug.” As a high school student decades ago in Newton, Massachusetts, the young Jaquette was, by his own admission, a mediocre student. Smart, yes, but lacking confidence, with a tendency to hide himself behind jokes. Instead of academics, he poured his energy into sports.

Aug 25, 2024 | washingtonmonthly.com | Paul Glastris |Rob Wolfe

The past year has been one of unceasing turmoil in higher education, with assaults on the fundamental social and economic value of college. Student protesters at Columbia, Harvard, Penn, and other universities received fervent denouncements and praise. The presidents of several of those institutions were called before Congress and two were forced by their boards to resign. Federal courts blocked another Biden administration loan forgiveness plan.

Apr 7, 2024 | washingtonmonthly.com | Rob Wolfe

Click here for the Monthly‘s Presidential Accomplishment Index and more essays comparing Trump and Biden’s achievements in office. When it comes to federal regulations, Democratic and Republican presidents are judged by different standards. The former are expected to use federal regulations vigorously to advance liberal goals such as protecting the environment and the rights of workers. The latter are supposed to take an ax to federal regulations, especially those that burden large corporations.

Jan 16, 2024 | washingtonmonthly.com | Rob Wolfe

Not so long ago, John Roberts patiently explained to reform-minded folk on Capitol Hill that the Supreme Court had no need for an ethics code. It was December 2011, and despite a recent scandal involving unreported income for Clarence Thomas’s wife, Roberts assured in his year-end report to Congress that the justices were policing themselves just fine.