The days of worrying about the population explosion seem to be over; now, we’re facing the unpleasant prospect of a shrinking population as more and more young Americans decide that they don’t want or can’t afford children. Higher education plays a role in that, with policies that discourage couples from having kids. Does it have to be that way?

In today’s Martin Center article, Samuel Negus argues that it does not.

Pointing to the author of a recent book, Negus writes, Pakaluk knows from experience that, while her female peers in academia are 40 percent less likely than their male colleagues to be married with children a decade after completing their doctorates, tenured faculty members are not outliers. At all levels and every stage of life, higher education tends to discourage childbirth.”

Negus has some thoughts on how to change that.

So, what would a more pro-family academia look like? Let’s start with the point of entry.  Application materials for graduate programs routinely include a phrase like, “[State U] is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.” Here are just a few examples. Such statements are unobjectionable, but they are legally redundant. Graduate programs are no more permitted to discourage or reject applicants for reasons of race or sex than restaurants with “all are welcome” stickers on their door could elect out of racial animus to not seat customers. These are not legal disclosures; they are signals to prospective applicants. So why not add: “Those who have spent significant time out of education or employment as primary caregivers for children are encouraged to apply”? How many mothers with copious intellectual gifts and unrealized scholarly potential have considered graduate school at mid-life only to never try for want of encouragement?

Another good idea — universities could give women with children more time to complete their graduate programs.

Colleges and universities ought to consider these ideas. After all, the fewer births, the fewer students in the future.