An Academic Revolution Has Begun

radioactivenews.com ^ | March 27, 2006 | Steve Miller

[Conservative Coulter Fan]

My name is Stephen Miller and I am a freshman at Duke University. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate why every one of us ought to be concerned about the academic situation at Duke, and to ask for your help in putting Duke at the forefront of a revolution sweeping across America's campuses.

As many of you know, conservatives across the nation have been decrying the political bias that is contaminating the educational system. Unfortunately, Duke has also fallen prey to political bias, and conservatives here have tried hard to open the eyes of a seemingly blind administration. In response, some liberals, rather then denying the existence of left-wing bias, have claimed that what conservatives really want is to transform liberal bias in academia into conservative bias. Indeed, this was said of me in a recent editorial in the Duke Chronicle.

The accusation is utterly absurd. My experience in high school made me understand all too well how severely education is damaged by partisan intolerance, and I would never ask for the introduction of conservative bias. Be it from the left or the right, bias in antithetical to education, and I believe I speak for nearly all conservatives when I say we only ask that all viewpoints be respected in the classroom.

It is true that left-wing bias most often comes under fire but this is simply because most of the bias in colleges is left-wing in nature. This is only to be expected when you consider the fact that, as a survey of the major colleges has shown (Duke included), the overwhelming majority of professors are Democrats, making right-wing bias highly unlikely. This does not mean that there should a 50/50 split of Republican and Democratic professors. All that matters is that all professors respect all beliefs. When a professor ignores, slights, or demeans opposing views liberal or conservative it is an abomination. Consider the following case:

In the first few weeks of school, Senior Matt Bettis had to drop a history course because on the opening day his professor unleashed a barrage of partisan intolerance, including an admission of bias against republicans. Matt wrote the professor, and was told in response that it was not a facts course. Another student informed me that the professor suggested Republicans should drop his class.

Disgraces like this explain why, as many conservatives will tell you, when deciding their schedules they will avoid certain courses, or even entire departments, because of their harsh left-wing reputation. This situation should appall all students as a violation of the most fundamental tenets of education.

An article in the Duke Chronicle called attention to the fact that many conservatives claimed they had been downgraded for presenting conservative points of view in their work, but to my surprise, this claim was simply dismissed without any valid explanation. It is time that we stop ignoring such abuses. If students feel their work is being slighted because of their political leanings, then this is a problem that must be investigated and dealt with accordingly. No student should ever have to fear that open expression of his beliefs may result in an academic reprisal.

Earlier in the year I was able to have a conversation with the Dean of Students, Robert Thompson. During my conversation with the Dean I expressed my concern that in only a short time at Duke I had already starting hearing accounts of bias in the classroom be it professors bashing George Bush, demeaning Republicans, or simply teaching the class from a one-sided perspective. Rather then trying to contest my claims, then Dean admitted to me that he has heard numerous accounts of political bias.

This begged the question: what is being done about this situation?

In that Duke?s chief duty is to educate, and that essential to education is respect for all viewpoints, you would think the present situation would be of tremendous concern to the administration. If Dean Thompson is aware that there is political bias in Duke?s classrooms, I see no reason why cannot ask that he take action. Incidences like that one that occurred with Matt Bettis should disgust anyone who values education. Professors take on the immense responsibility of shaping the way students think about the world. When they shirk this responsibility they are doing a disservice to their students and to their profession.

Thought its extent can be debated, no one can deny the presence of political bias at Duke. We have before us the chance to show that the status quo can be changed, that a major university can aggressively fight bias our goal should be to make Duke one of the first major colleges in America that is truly free of an ideological slant, dedicated to the unbiased pursuit of knowledge, and unwavering in its devotion to academic freedom. However, this will not be easy and it will require the support of many. The key lies in the adoption of a Students Bill of Rights.

David Horowitz has started a new national organization, Students for Academic Freedom, which is dedicated to fighting political bias, specifically through the implementation of this Bill of Rights. I have started up an SAF chapter here at Duke. There are almost 100 more chapters in colleges across the country. It is a wholly non-partisan organization committed to restoring integrity to the American college campus. In line with that guiding philosophy, the Bill of Rights SAF encourages universities to adopt does not favor any one ideology, but requires that all ideologies be respected in the classroom. The only way that one could oppose this Bill of Rights would be if one were actually in favor of a political bias, because even if you doubted the existence of political bias, what harm would there be in guarding against it? (The Bill of Rights can be viewed at www.studentsforacademicfreedom.org)

In that the administration's first and primary responsibility is to protect the integrity of the learning process, I have faith that in the end, this is what they will do. Knowing that the Dean of Students is already aware of the problem, I am hoping that he will thus understand the need to take action, and that a long and difficult battle will not ensue. I am also hoping that before she retires this year, President Keohane will want to ensure every student here at Duke receives a fair, balanced education. I have a meeting with with both the Dean and the President later this month in which I will ask them to support the Students Bill of Rights. However, in my prior conversation with the Dean I was told that the Bill of Rights was not needed. Other administrators have expressed the same point of view. And this mindset is certainly not unique to Duke.

Thus, for this to move forward, college administrators will need to understand that American citizens have had enough, that it is time for higher education in America to change that it is finally time for our nation's youth to learn in an environment where their beliefs are respected and their academic rights are secure. In order to help set this academic revolution in motion, I humbly ask for your help. You can call or write Dean Thompson (919-684-3465 robert.thompson@duke.edu 919-684-3465) or President Keohane (president@duke.edu 919-684-2424) and voice your support for the adoption of a Students Bill of Rights.

The battle for academic freedom will be a difficult one. But working together, we can return dignity and decency to the American college campus. We can set an example to colleges all across the nation by making Duke one of the first major universities to officially, publicly, and universally reject political bias.

An academic revolution has begun will Duke lead the charge?

I await the administration's response.

[Conservative Coulter Fan]

"Stephen Miller, is a sophormore at Duke University, where he plans to major in Political Science. Stephen has also been on several talk radio programs primarily as an advocate for freedom in education. He is the President of the Duke Chapter of Students for Academic Freedom. www.studentsforacademicfreedom.org Mr. Miller also writes articles, give speeches, and does whatever else he can to adavance this and other causes. It is his intention to continue his efforts in college and to someday go into politics."

E-mail Steve Miller:
stevemiller@radioactivenews.com

[Conservative Coulter Fan]

Horowitz stirs up crowd in Page

Neal SenGupta

Posted: 3/8/06

Notorious conservative author David Horowitz spoke Tuesday evening about what he deems radical liberal bias in Duke's academic departments.

The event, which was taped by C-SPAN, drew an audience of about 600 to Page Auditorium. It was in part a promotion of Horowitz's new book, The Professors: 101 Most Dangerous Academics in America.

Horowitz spoke about the need to fight "intellectual corruption" at universities such as Duke. He compared the problem of political radicals taking over academic departments to an event "bigger than Enron."

Horowitz attacked specific Trinity College of Arts and Sciences academic programs and departments as examples of "political parties," including the Women's Studies Program, Program of Literature, the Department of African and African-American Literature and the cultural anthropology department. "Large parts of this University have been subverted by radical, leftist recruiting," Horowitz said.

He pointed out that most speakers invited to campus are politically radical, noting Norman Finkelstein and Harry Belafonte as examples.

"I'm amazed by the number of events and courses on this campus that have the sole purpose of pressuring students into thinking that America is a racist, sexist, homophobic country that should be attacked," Horowitz said.

Horowitz criticized several Duke professors. He said Jane Gaines, the director of Duke's Marxism in Society Program and professor literature and English, is a "film critic with no relevant expertise" in what she teaches. He also attacked the "black studies" department for being "Marxists" and for preaching that "America is racist."

"We hire these professors and give them lifetime jobs because they are experts," Horowitz said. "However, these people are not experts. They are completely unqualified to teach their classes. They have no scholarship, no publications."

He noted, however, that his goal is not to attack or eliminate liberal professors. "I don't want to purge universities of left-wingers, but I do want to purge them of idiots," he said.

Horowitz alleged that the problem of liberal bias began in the 1960's, when many liberals and anti-war activists entered into academia to avoid being drafted into the Vietnam War. He said these "radicals" began to dominate departments such as "black studies" and cultural anthropology.

Horowitz said the academics then began to select other "radicals" to join their faculties, leading to liberals' domination of several humanities fields.

Horowitz also referred to an incident last week at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as an example of how dangerous radical ideas can be.

A UNC alumnus rented a Jeep and ran it into a crowd of students in order to get "revenge" for American crimes against Muslims. Horowitz used the example to defend the title of his book, which was criticized by members of the audience for using the word "dangerous" to describe professors. "People who think the title of the book is inappropriate are people who think that ideas have no power," Horowitz said. "Just last week at down the road at UNC a student ran a car into people. It was an idea that drove him to do this."

Horowitz added that it would be hard to change what he perceives as the current culture of liberal bias in many of Duke's departments. "The administrators are too scared of the radical 10 percent of faculty," Horowitz said. "It is up to the students to try and make change."

The lecture was organized by Duke's chapter of Students for Academic Freedom, a national organization founded by Horowitz.

Junior Stephen Miller, president of the Duke chapter of SAF and a Chronicle columnist, said the event was extremely successful. "This was the most well-attended student-run and fund-raised event in recent Duke history," Miller said.

Some members of the audience said Horowitz was a compelling speaker, but many disagreed with his views.

"I'm glad he came," senior Stanley Mouser said. "I still don't agree with him, but I understand his views a little more. He did say some inflammatory things."

Freshman Ryan Miller said he thought Horowitz did not adequately defend his attack on Duke professors.

"I felt he did a poor job of providing evidence and answering the questions [audience members] asked," Miller said. "It didn't really seem like the open exchange of ideas that he says he supports."

Source: Duke Chronicle

[Williams]

Absolutely logical statement, which will for the time being go nowhere. Americans need to demand that colleges and the media balance the politics of their staff members and their approaches to subjects.

I witnessed tons of left wing kookery - at a "conservative" Catholic University 30 years ago! As a parent I really don't feel like spending tens of thousands of dollars for my kid to waste time hearing Marxist anti-American lectures, being recruited to homosexuality, etc. Because that IS what is happening on the campuses, big time.

[Personal Responsibility]

Stephen Miller, age 19-20 or so, is more well spoken than 99% of the USA. Keep up the good work Stephen!

[Williams]

"I felt he did a poor job of providing evidence and answering the questions [audience members] asked," Miller said. "It didn't really seem like the open exchange of ideas that he says he supports."

Note re college students. You will always find some whiney little A** wipes who will mouth exactly what the professors want them to say.

[timer]

Crying about life's problems does little to solve them. Let's hear about positive solutions to liberal bias in our universities : State Legislatures fund universities, yes? Cut off their STATE FUNDING and you'll see a dramatic turn around. That's how bio-chemists often treat cancerous growths : medicines that cut off the cancer's blood supply. You'll know you're making progress when the liberals SCREAM that their positions are being terminated due to BUDGET CUTS...

[GladesGuru]

" it was not a facts course" said by a professor teaching a history course."

Rarely has a revisionist historian been so transparent. This Libroid professor has unwittingly served the conservative movement well.

" - - in my prior conversation with the Dean I was told that the Bill of Rights was not needed."

And they were completely correct. Merely adding a Bill of Rights won't cure the problem. Mucking out the stable of the Academe will require wholesale firing of agenda driven soi dissant "professors".

Let the population reductions begin!

[DeweyCA]

SAF and College Republican chapters should have all of their member students to use small digital recorders to record the abuses. Exposing the teachers is the only way that anything is going to eventually be done about the situation.

[HIDEK6]

I thought Horowitz's observation, that you can't get a complete education when you're only getting half the story - even if it DOES cost you $43,500/year, was devastating.

[Conservative Coulter Fan]

Notre is allowing the 'Vagina Monologues' to be shown on campus, which was shocking enough although I recall reading that that a bishop, from Nigeria I believe, speaking at Catholic University...was protested by walkouts by professors...because he spoke out against homosexual "marriage" and was in line with orthodox catholic teachings.

[VOA]

IIRC, Stephen Miller was the student that would call The Larry Elder Show
on KABC (790AM) periodically to detail the insanity of the liberal ant-farm
known as Santa Monica High School.
Here's a link to an article he wrote about it:
http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=8708

[sine_nomine]

End tenure. Cut the subsidies. If the universities are really so special, they can survive on their own. If the professors are good, they will be employed.

[Conservative Coulter Fan]

Article: Red-Faced at Duke

Campus Report: Conservative Horowitz to Visit Duke

Professor's Post: Horowitz and Me: Thank You, David!

Speaker raps leftist professors, programs

[Conservative Coulter Fan]

...or the fact that they work only 8 months a year...get a two week paid vacation...work 4-5 hours a day for 5 days a week...and make somewhere around $150,000.00!!!

[facedown]

In response, some liberals, rather then denying the existence of left-wing bias, have claimed that what conservatives really want is to transform liberal bias in academia into conservative bias.

SOP for the left.

[RoadTest]

As Thomas Sowell so rightly points out, education is supposed to be teaching students how to think, not what to think.

[spindoctor]

This does not mean that there should a 50/50 split of Republican and Democratic professors. All that matters is that all professors respect all beliefs.

I have a couple of suggestions for Mr. Miller. Some beliefs should not be respected. For example, calling President Bush a terrorist. I suppose the right to express those beliefs should be allowed. But not respected. Also, if professors dealt in facts and truth there would be no liberals on campus.

[Nevadan]

re: "Notorious conservative author David Horowitz"

The writer of that piece (which was for the most part balanced) either does not know the meaning of the word "notorious" or is guilty of slanting the article from the very first words of the article.

The word "notorious" is defined on Dictionary.com as:
1. Known widely and usually unfavorably; infamous: a notorious gangster; a district notorious for vice.
2. generally known and talked of <adverse possession created by open, continuous, notorious, and adverse use
3. having an exceedingly bad reputation; "a notorious gangster"; "the tenderloin district was notorious for vice" [syn: ill-famed, infamous]

However the word is used, its sense is always negative. (Hitler was notorious. Stalin & Mao were notorious. Mother Theresa was not.) Now, I can see describing David Horowitz as a controversial individual. That is definitely the case. But to cast aspersions on his character by defining him as "notorious" shows a bias (or ignorance) to begin with. The only "evil" that David Horowitz has committed is to disagree with liberals and demand intellectual honesty from them.

[jimmango]

If the universities are like those in SC, they'll just raise their tuition rates to compensate. In the 4 years that my son has been at Clemson, the tuition has doubled. When they stated that they wanted to be a "Top 10" university, I thought they were talking about quality, not cost!

[Conservative Coulter Fan]

The News & Observer, which covers Wake, Durham, Orange, Johnston, & Chatham County in North Carolina, permitted a column by Anne Blythe whereby she described Horowitz as a "right-wing rabble-rouser" and said his campaign for academic freedom was nothing more than a campiagn to "turn the academic world on its head." I hope everyone will join me in challenging Blythe's hate - ablythe@newsobserver.com.

You can read here column here.