Higher Learning (1995)

In the hallowed halls of Columbus University, a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies, a diverse group of freshmen grapple with personal, political, and racial dilemmas as they embark on their first semester. The film, Higher Learning, explores their experiences, unveiling the raw and bitter complexities of campus life. Malik Williams (Omar Epps), an African-American student attending on a track scholarship, naively believes his athletic prowess will sail him through college. Yet, his academic weaknesses become glaringly apparent. He finds an unlikely mentor in Fudge (Ice Cube), a seasoned student who challenges Malik's perspectives on race and politics. Professor Maurice Phipps (Laurence Fishburne) further shakes Malik's worldview, emphasizing that neither race nor athletic talent will influence his grading. Through Deja (Tyra Banks), Malik discovers love, academic guidance, and a rigorous training partner, all in one. Parallelly, Kristen Connor (Kristy Swanson), a wide-eyed Californian girl, experiences a brutal awakening to college life. A traumatic date rape incident leads her to the empowering embrace of a campus feminist group. In the process, she meets Taryn (Jennifer Connelly), a strong, compassionate lesbian who stirs unfamiliar feelings within her. Meanwhile, Remy (Michael Rapaport), a lost soul from Idaho, struggles to navigate the multicultural labyrinth of Columbus. His vulnerability attracts Scott Moss (Cole Hauser), a member of a violent skinhead group, who sees in Remy a potential recruit for their sinister goals. Higher Learning is a stark portrayal of youngsters from varying races, countries, and social backgrounds, thrust together in the crucible of Columbus University. Struggling with issues of finance, harassment, self-doubt, and personal safety, they face the additional burden of rampant racism. The pressure to excel academically, athletically, and socially intertwines with the threads of prejudice, inexperience, and misunderstanding, threatening to shatter their fragile college lives.

Higher Learning is a crime movie featuring Omar Epps.

Higher Learning is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium and Starz Apple TV Channel.

It is also possible to buy Higher Learning on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.