Higher Learning 1995

As Kristen Connor (Kristy Swanson), a freshman at Columbus University, and Malik Williams (Omar Epps), a gifted high-school track star on a scholarship, immerse themselves in the vibrant party atmosphere of campus life, they become enmeshed in a complex tapestry of social interactions. The lively gathering at Fudge White’s dorm—led by a senior and passionate Afrocentric activist—is abruptly interrupted by Remy, a reserved freshman from Boise, Idaho, who calls campus authorities to address the noise complaint. This act of intervention sparks outrage from Fudge, who vehemently condemns the police response for unfairly targeting black students while neglecting the disruptive antics of their white counterparts.

Amidst these social tensions, Kristen’s chance meeting with Taryn, an openly lesbian junior, serves as a pivotal moment. Taryn warns Kristen about the perils of wandering alone at night and invites her to join a student organization, extending a hand of friendship. Both Kristen and Malik enroll in a political science course taught by Professor Maurice Phipps, a conservative black man from the West Indies, where they navigate the tumultuous waters of self-exploration and identity formation.

The storyline takes a dark turn when Billy, a reckless fraternity member, ignores Kristen’s clear refusal to engage in unprotected sex, leading to a traumatic assault. Kristen’s distress is starkly revealed to her roommate, Monet, who is later confronted by Billy’s abhorrent racial slurs during an upsetting phone call. Fueled by anger, Monet seeks support from Fudge, who rallies a group of black students to confront Billy about his actions at a fraternity party. While Billy offers an insincere apology to Monet for his offensive remarks, the gravity of Kristen’s experience is glaringly overlooked.

As Kristen tentatively shares her trauma with Taryn, their relationship deepens, igniting romantic feelings. However, she is also drawn back to Wayne, a fellow student and friend of Malik, whom she had dated prior to meeting Taryn. Meanwhile, Remy’s growing frustration towards Fudge escalates into passive-aggressive threats, leading him to find a new roommate in David Isaacs, a Jewish student, deepening his sense of alienation on campus. Malik’s lighthearted banter with Remy, after winning a video game, inadvertently pushes Remy into the orbit of a dangerous group of white supremacists led by Scott Moss, drawing him deeper into their toxic ideology.

As Malik grapples with the harsh critique from Professor Phipps, he is compelled to confront his own limitations and the stark realities of racial bias in an academic setting. This confrontation with the professor’s honest feedback encourages Malik to take control of his educational journey, supported by his girlfriend, Deja, a talented track athlete with a flair for writing, as he seeks to improve himself.

In parallel, Remy’s simmering hatred culminates in a horrifying outburst of racism and violence, culminating in him brandishing a gun at Malik and David. His escalating aggression and bigotry lead to a heartbreaking decision to drop out of university, spurred on by his neo-Nazi companions to orchestrate a tragic attack on a peace festival organized by Kristen and Monet, resulting in Deja being tragically caught in the ensuing chaos.

The aftermath of this senseless attack leaves Malik consumed by grief, spurring him to confront the perpetrator, only to be met with brutal police intervention. As Remy succumbs to despair and takes his own life, Malik is left to grapple with the profound trauma and uncertainty regarding his future at Columbus University. In an attempt to offer comfort, Professor Phipps provides Malik with solace, yet Malik struggles to find clarity amidst his pain.

In a poignant conclusion, Malik shares a heartfelt conversation with Kristen near a defaced Christopher Columbus statue, reflecting on the heavy consequences of Remy’s choices. While Kristen wrestles with guilt for organizing the peace festival, Malik reassures her that she should not bear that burden—it was a vital expression of unity and hope.

As the narrative draws to a close, Fudge, Taryn, and their peers prepare for their graduation from Columbus University. The film concludes with a powerful imagery of Professor Phipps walking under the American flag, emblazoned with the imperative “Unlearn,” a compelling call to continuous introspection and personal growth.