One issue I think we need to address is how society basically judges things based on sound-bite descriptions of them. This is an area where I think IT can contribute, by trying to find ways to bias our communication technologies against such practices.

I think this is a result of design methodologies and motivations geared toward talking advantage of human attention instead of respecting/cultivating it.

We need a design theory based on mindfulness.

So, to start with, shut down the rules against discussing salaries or university costs with coworkers and other students, respectively.

I don’t know if there are rules against that. I think it’s more an unspoken rule that may have consequences if violated, although I’m fairly certain that’s illegal. The impetus is more on us to be open with each other about salary. It’s only in the company’s best interest for us not to do so.

According to the article,

"[Allcock’s report] says the school also tells applicants not to reveal to their classmates the size of their discount."

Unwritten or unspoken, it does need to go.

that seems as illegal as telling your employees that they can't share salaries

Seems as wrong, not as illegal. Legal is a specific technical standard.

> So, to start with, shut down the rules against discussing salaries or university costs with coworkers and other students, respectively.

No, this will expose evidences of institutional and systemic racism and question people about the country name. Should it be United State or Segregated State?