Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Liberal Iowa Professor Tries to Ruin Career of Conservative Phd Student..for disagreeing with him
Protein Wisdom ^ | 11-7-05 | Jeff Goldstien

Posted on 11/08/2005 11:54:49 AM PST by Bob J

For all appropriate links in this article, visit the original at the link above.

Coming from an academic background, nothing steams my bean so much as a professor misusing his power to try to destroy the incipient career of a PhD student --an offense made even more egregious when such bullying is part of a campaign to punish said student for his political views.

For those of you who haven’t been following the story as it makes its way around the blogosphere, Info-Theory’s Paul Deignan, a PhD student, was the victim of a “retaliatory” attack by a professor who didn’t appreciate Paul’s insinuating himself into a blog thread on the leftwing academic blog, Bitch PhD [this being a leftwing site, the administrator has removed the exchange in question; Paul saved it here]. Evidently, Paul’s attempt to debate substantively and civilly was regarded as beyond the pale. Notes the good professor in a comment on Paul’s blog, “Your behavior is highly unprofessional. If the shoe was on the other foot—if I were disruptive and unprofessional on a right wing site, I’d expect to be called on it. But I don’t troll conservative academic sites. It would be unprofessional to disrupt their discussions and contrary to the spirit of free enquiry—liberal values you seem to be unfamiliar with” [my emphasis].

In the world of the academy (in the humanities, in particular), anything that doesn’t echo established leftist orthodoxies is considered an “attack”—and not surprisingly, this professor took Paul’s criticisms as “contrary to the spirit of free enquiry” (which, sadly, has been twisted to mean “freedom from criticism"). To remedy this, the professor took it upon himself to call Paul’s faculty dissertation advisor (at a different school) to let him know—as a professional courtesy, you see—of Paul’s alleged poor form (which a review of the evidence will show consisted of nothing more than his arguing his positions quite civilly). This, after calling Paul both “a lunatic” and “homely” in an email.

Such is an absolutely unconscionable misuse of power. Further, it as an intentional effort to ruin Paul’s academic career. And because it was done explicitly to punish Paul for his social and political views on the legality of abortion (all of this took place in the context of a debate over Alito’s nomination), it is intellectual McCarthyism at its most baldfaced and cowardly.

The professor’s name is Wallace Hettle , who teaches history at the University of Northern Iowa. He claims to be tenured, which evidently (in his mind) means he’s reached the exalted position where he can now, without fear of reprisal, wield his position like a cudgel—defending the gates of academia from those whose ideological positions differ from his own.

Wallace Hettle , in my opinion, embodies everything that is wrong with the modern academy. If his behavior over the last several days is any indication, he is doctrinaire and vindictive; and he is an intellectual coward who uses his authority to crush dissent and punish those who dare to voice it. He is meanspirited, and he hides behind the protection of his tenure. People like professor Hettle need to be held to account if we are ever to reclaim the integrity of the humanities departments, overwhelmingly comprised of those who share Hettle’s ideological bent (though not necessarily his character deficiencies).

Here’s the Department of History’s contact information: Department of History - University of Northern Iowa - Seerley 319 - Cedar Falls, IA - 50614 - (319)-273-2097.

Anyone who has a moment to do so, please contact the Department’s Chair, Dr Robert F Martin , and let him know of your displeasure. (319) 273-2097

Paul is pursuing legal action. But I think it important that non-academics express their outrage, as well. After all, somebody we know and care about may one day be in the same position as Paul. UNI’s President is Robert Koob. His office can be reached here: Office of the President, 20 Seerley Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0705’

(319) 273-2566 (voice); (319) 273-6494.


TOPICS: News/Current Events; US: Iowa
KEYWORDS: academicbias; academicnazis
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-59 next last
To: Bob J; Ernest_at_the_Beach; little jeremiah

A Yahoo search on this professor + gay has revealed that he has apparently been pushing the gay agenda for years.

http://search.yahoo.com/bin/search?fr=ybr_sbc&p=Wallace%20Hettle%20Gay


21 posted on 11/08/2005 12:21:00 PM PST by Grampa Dave (MSM pseudo reporters use "could, may, and might" when they are lying and spinning.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Freedom_Fighter_2001

I can tell you that it's about to end mine.
I'm a Ph.D. candidate in History as well, and once the profs realize you are a conservative, it's open season on you.

If I shut up and follow the script, I can usually sneak through. But if I happen to disagree and mention my conservative views, these folks come unglued and pounce.

I'm pretty sure I did my self in during a class on Monday.
Try discussing the Arab-Israeli conflict in a class of 13 flaming liberals, one anti-American liberal professor, and you, the lone conservative.

I'm starting to think that maybe education is a bad mistake.


22 posted on 11/08/2005 12:22:34 PM PST by Will_Zurmacht
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: Freedom_Fighter_2001

Will we ever know? Will his Phd advisors read this then make it more difficult for him? Will they reject his dissertation based on "other" reasons?

Whether it does or not is not the issue. The issue is we have Nazi like academics using their positions to not only limit dissent but harass and intimidate students into submission and silence.

Like they have been doing for thrity years.


23 posted on 11/08/2005 12:23:49 PM PST by Bob J (RIGHTALK.com...a conservative alternative to NPR!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: TChris

I'll check.


24 posted on 11/08/2005 12:25:08 PM PST by Bob J (RIGHTALK.com...a conservative alternative to NPR!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 17 | View Replies]

To: Kirkwood
The man, whose picture you offer, would have no business calling any other person "homely!"

He is the veritable poster boy for the academic "geek." All he needs is a live chicken to bite down on. (I would suggest that he had just decapitated one, but their is no chicken blood on his shirt.)

25 posted on 11/08/2005 12:26:26 PM PST by Ohioan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: Kirkwood

Wallace does have that 'spaced out' look about him. Maybe he just isn't responsible for what he says.


26 posted on 11/08/2005 12:27:50 PM PST by HitmanLV (Listen to my demos for Savage Nation contest: http://www.geocities.com/mr_vinnie_vegas/index.html)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: ncountylee

"Wallace Hettle , in my opinion, embodies everything that is wrong with the modern academy."

Ward Churchill with a degree. I am starting to believe all these academics only need to tote the Marxist line to receive their PHD's.


27 posted on 11/08/2005 12:29:25 PM PST by EQAndyBuzz (Liberal Talking Point - Bush = Hitler ... Republican Talking Point - Let the Liberals Talk)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: TChris

I sent a note to Students For Academic Freedo.


28 posted on 11/08/2005 12:30:00 PM PST by Bob J (RIGHTALK.com...a conservative alternative to NPR!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 17 | View Replies]

To: Grampa Dave

Funny how often that works out that way, you know?


29 posted on 11/08/2005 12:30:09 PM PST by B Knotts
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies]

To: Grampa Dave

Good work GD!


30 posted on 11/08/2005 12:31:03 PM PST by Bob J (RIGHTALK.com...a conservative alternative to NPR!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies]

To: HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity

These professors will eventually die and hopefully with that Marxist doctrine.

While they are dying, hopefully they will take The Swimmer and Chucky Cheese with them.


31 posted on 11/08/2005 12:31:12 PM PST by EQAndyBuzz (Liberal Talking Point - Bush = Hitler ... Republican Talking Point - Let the Liberals Talk)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: Will_Zurmacht
I was thinking along the lines that the student in question is a Mechanical Engineer (a profession which I share and is denigrated by the Iowa idiot), and that ME faculties are not as political.

History, Political Science, Law, sorry you guys, you are screwed. It seems that you need to either lay low (and suffer)or fight hard (damn the torpedoes and suffer) - there's no middle ground. You are experiencing the real fascisti today. Suppress the students - keep them afraid - What's next - informants?

32 posted on 11/08/2005 12:35:56 PM PST by Freedom_Fighter_2001 (When money is no object - it's your money they're talking about)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: B Knotts; Bob J; little jeremiah; Ernest_at_the_Beach

Isn't amazing when we see something like this and do a Yahoo search on the name of the bad critter + gay. The hits and data re their past writings will often show a very interesting pattern.

As Little Jeremiah and Ernest at the Beach know, I do this when we read some really vile oped against GW. Most of the time the search shows, a long pattern of pushing vile gay agendas. Sometimes the maggot has been an admitted gay for years, and they apparently make their living writing articles pushing the gay agenda.

At the university level in many universities unless a phd is gay or pro gay agenda, they will probably never be hired. Or in cases like this, the left wing professors will try force the conservative phd candidate out of the program.


33 posted on 11/08/2005 12:38:11 PM PST by Grampa Dave (MSM pseudo reporters use "could, may, and might" when they are lying and spinning.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 29 | View Replies]

To: EQAndyBuzz

no, they are making clones of themselves, and making the academic life difficult for anyone who refuses to join their cult.

A few of us swim against the stream, but even guys like me, who generally love a good intellectual fight, eventually get tired of the nonsense.

Imagine if when you went to work, your supervisor refered to you as a Mussolini or an idiot, your co-workers get in a few barbs about your politics and/or religion, your background and beliefs are subject to ridicule, your solid work product is intensely scrutinized and given a B-, while your colleagues are allowed to mimick the party line in a slap-dash paper that recieves an A.

How long would it take you to realize that they don't want you in their club?


34 posted on 11/08/2005 12:40:49 PM PST by Will_Zurmacht
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 31 | View Replies]

To: Bob J
Will we ever know? Will his Phd advisors read this then make it more difficult for him? Will they reject his dissertation based on "other" reasons? Whether it does or not is not the issue. The issue is we have Nazi like academics using their positions to not only limit dissent but harass and intimidate students into submission and silence.

Okay, but what about appealing to his advisor and faculty - trying to appeal to their common sense - They are ME's, for Pete's dake!

We also need to shine the light on those who have the greatest potential to harm this gentleman.

As for the "Nazi like academics", I am not adverse to holding (and wielding) a pitchfork and hot tar in the villager mob. Gentlemen - to the castle!

35 posted on 11/08/2005 12:42:46 PM PST by Freedom_Fighter_2001 (When money is no object - it's your money they're talking about)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies]

To: Grampa Dave

Yep. I think it should be SOP to do such a search on any leftwing moonbat spotted.


36 posted on 11/08/2005 12:46:47 PM PST by B Knotts
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 33 | View Replies]

To: Will_Zurmacht
I'm starting to think that maybe education is a bad mistake.

Here, let me fix that last line:

I'm starting to think that maybe liberal indoctrination is a bad mistake.


Persevere as long as you can. The country needs more conservatives in academia.

37 posted on 11/08/2005 12:47:30 PM PST by TheMightyQuinn
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: Tzimisce

Allah Akbar!


38 posted on 11/08/2005 12:48:35 PM PST by STD (Delete)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: Will_Zurmacht
A Must Read:

Unholy Alliance :
Radical Islam and the American Left (Hardcover)
by David Horowitz

**************************************

Vastly Illuminating, September 25, 2004

Reviewer: Kat Bakhu (Albuquerque, NM United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
I had long wondered why people on the Left had the propensity to speak more positively about people who would slit their throats than they do about their own country, which affords them more freedom and opportunity than anywhere else. David Horowitz has answered that question thoroughly and convincingly in his Unholy Alliance. Where I felt bewildered and confused, I now feel crystal clear. Unholy Alliance is such a great book.

It begins with the leftist movements at the beginning of the 20th Century, and works its way up to the present day, exploring the anti-American attitude of these movements in detail. Horowitz shows that the enemies of the US back then are largely the same group today, operating under the same misperceptions, making the same mistakes, and pursuing the same impossible utopia.

Individual chapters are included on the Patriot Act (I was persuaded that it is a GOOD thing); the democratic flip-flop on Iraq once G.W. Bush implemented what they agreed with Clinton needed to be done; the driving components of the current anti-war movement; as well as chapters on individual personalities who are major spokespeople of the Left. Horowitz covers a lot of ground, and he covers it concisely and clearly. Unholy Alliance is richly informative without ever being boring or plodding.

This book is so illuminating that I simply cannot do justice to it here. I love people who reason so clearly that they help me get my own reasoning clear. Horowitz is just that type of person! In the terrain of mindless clichés (no-blood-for-oil, etc.), he is a breath of real fresh air.

<**************************************


39 posted on 11/08/2005 12:49:31 PM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach (History is soon Forgotten,)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: Bob J

Sounds like something a Right Wing (Biology) Professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln might do.

Beware.


40 posted on 11/08/2005 12:49:31 PM PST by Whitewasher (Would u like America to be a goat nation in the millennium to come? Keep pushing the "Roadmap" bull!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-59 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson