The article comments on that at the end.

Quote:

Darknight613 said:
The spirit of academic freedom requires ample space for scholars to entertain and advocate controversial and even outrageous ideas. Unless the professor has failed to fulfill his obligations as a teacher and scholar, he should be retained in his post, regardless of his personal opinions. The state doesn't have to operate a university, but if it does, it can't punish or reward academics according to the acceptability of their political views.

That is not easy to stomach when the views are as vile as these. But as state Sen. Peter Groff said, "Democracy and freedom are hard work."



So according to the editorial, professors should not be fired for saying something revolting and offensive.

As for me personally, I also don't think college professors should be fired for saying something radical and controversial (although this is not absolute - under certain extreme circumstances, I wouldn't have a problem). Mostly because people have different barometers for what they consider to be offensive. In this case, everybody can agree that Churchill's comments are revolting. But what happens in cases where it's not so clear or drastic? Or if only one single person is offended? Or if a professor relays information that is completely true and accurate, but a student finds it to be offensive somehow?

Not every instance of a professor saying something radical and controversial is going to be a Ward Churchill. So I just think that there is potential to set a precedent that will be dangerous to college professors and their ability to teach and share their ideas.

Last edited by Darknight613; 2005-02-11 4:09 AM.
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