Campus Conscience Police?

Fox News ^ | December 20, 2005 | Wendy McElroy

[Dan Evans]

"Over one's inner mind, and self, no one has coercive power."

So write attorneys Jordan Lorence and Harvey A. Silverglate, authors of the just-published Guide to First-Year Orientation and Thought Reform on Campus from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE).

The Guide is yet another indication that political correctness is faltering on campuses across North America. To those who value the right of individuals to a conscience -- that is, to judge right and wrong for themselves -- this is welcome news.

Political correctness is the belief that certain ideas and attitudes are improper and, so, should be discouraged or prohibited by punishing those who advance them. Conversely, ideas and attitudes that are proper should be encouraged by being enforced.

An example of a politically incorrect idea: inherent biological differences between the two sexes explain why there are more male than female scientists. The correct version: discrimination against women explains the 'gender imbalance' in science, and the discrimination must be remedied.

[Dan Evans]

When Lawrence Summers suggested biological differences may explain 'gender imbalance' in science, a leftist inquisition forced him to apologize publicly. As an act of contrition, Summers promised "to spend $50 million over the next decade to improve the climate for women on campus."

[twigs]

I had a talk with a college professor several years ago who teaches an intro freshman course on how to think. He prided himself on breaking down faith structures (read: religious) that encouraged students to think any way but scientifically or logically (as defined by this professor). Then, he stated that he taught [his victims--my description] that everyone had an agenda and it was his responsibility to teach them that. That is, everyone had an agenda except him (the professor). I assumed that he was being sarcastic, but as I continued to talk to him, I realized he was dead serious. My husband (a professor and colleague of his) have talked about this conversation for years as a sign of the decline of higher education.