I've felt the need to name change to post this as I'm concerned about repercussions.
(I'm also one of the not so academically bright who maybe shouldn't really be at uni, but also not totally stupid)
IME a combination of the business wallahs and the internecine wars between some academics has a lot to with why all sorts is ongoing and why it's being 'allowed.' This stuff doesn't only come from the students, but we're not allowed to say that!
Some academics are actually the big driving forces behind identity politics, no platforming, and no debate.
It isn't only around gender, and it's being shoved at students as part of marked work, and in courses were you wouldn't automatically expect it.
Lectures and coursework force students to publicly share their racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds (including those who don't wish to) and then self identify as x,y,z. Students are expected to 'reflect' on this stuff and submit work around their conclusions.
It's really difficult to navigate, especially those from difficult situations who want to keep things private, and don't wish to identify as 'victims,' (currently considered desirable) and/or come from the currently 'wrong cultures' or countries. (or those that aren't officially wrong, but in reality they face huge judgement over being born into.)
There is so much about 'othering' yet so much racism being promoted hiding within supporting the ('correct') marginalized groups, as well as the gender politics, ageism, and ableism going on.
Yet at the same time feelings are everything, and the most innocuous things can be 'overwhelming' or 'anxiety provoking' for anyone at any time, including lecturers, so everyone has to tread really carefully all the time.
Getting which lecturers is Ze, vs Xe vs They right, is a constant worry, never mind fellow students.
Remembering who identifies as being 'of color' when appearance isn't an indicator, seems to be problematic for the young.
Complimenting someone's work or intelligence can lead to them having a panic attack as others may judge them negatively for it.
Older students can find themselves accused of thinking the 'wrong' things, based purely on their age, not anything said. (forgivable in very young students, but painful to hear it from middle aged academics.)
The majority middle class like to see themselves as working class, so there's little room for genuine working class views.
Some lecturers announce that they would not engage with anyone who holds contrary views to the 'right' ones.
(Security are outsourced, and not allowed feelings btw, and facilities staff wisely keep their mouths shut.)
If someone transgresses on one thing, then leaping to shield the transgression with their own issues (real or acquired) is the only way to survive for many, so 'issues' become 'get out of jail' cards.
Young students with time and room for passionate causes are quickly attracted to being on the 'right side ' of history, and decide the social order under approval and with no knowledge of previous history or the damage they're doing to others or to their own futures. In their attempts to be 'allies' of one group, they trample the rights of other groups with no sense of irony at all.
In the middle of it all is the occasional predator having a field day while the focus is elsewhere, as obviously such things can't be happening in such an environment.
We study in interesting times. (some of us fear that it may be indicative of something worse to come.)