KSU and the American University

                     KSU and the American University

                      Published in Marietta Daily Journal Oct. 30, 2016

            Kennesaw State University’s recent dustup over the naming of Attorney General Sam Olens as its next president doesn’t rise to the level of campus unrest, but it does bring to mind the goings-on at tax-supported universities across the nation.

            Public schools are usually on everybody’s mind because they affect our children who are still under our wing.  Colleges and universities, we apparently assume, are doing their jobs.  It’s wise, however, to give thought to what goes on in higher education.  After all, we’re paying for it too.

            The Board of Regents’ appointment of Olens to KSU led to a measure of protest from faculty and students.  Placards in hand, faculty members and students got their 15 minutes of journalistic and television fame with the following words: “We need a national search,” “Olens is not qualified,” and “Olens is homophobic.”

            The purpose of a university is to educate.  Its primary purpose is not to give students a voice.  Giving students a voice has its place, as in leadership training, but students are amiss and faculty employees impertinent to tell the administration or the Board of Regents what to do.  Shall the pot command the potter?

            Why is so-called progressivism the default setting of the American university?  Why is the prevailing ideology of most tax-supported universities decidedly liberal?  Why, given that education is a conserving endeavor, does education draw liberals?  Why do so many professors disdain the words orthodox, traditional, and conservative?

            Is anybody besides me tired of the words “tolerance,” “diversity,” “inclusivity,” and “safe space”?  These words are being spoken (and yelled) on campuses across the country.  Yet, how many of these perceived virtues are extended to campus guest speakers who are political conservatives, Orthodox Jews, evangelical Christians, or traditional Catholics?

            I’ll back up on the Catholics.  Democratic VP candidate, Catholic Tim Kaine, would be welcome, but only because he has “evolved” from the historic Catholic stance on abortion.  (“Evolved” is the weasel word for changing one’s position in order to get votes.)

            Yes, academia’s tolerance and inclusivity have their hypocritical limits.  Its tolerance doesn’t tolerate anyone’s ideology that isn’t progressive.  And its inclusivity doesn’t include anyone who dares to express a difference of opinion on abortion or homosexuality.  No, tolerance and inclusivity are only for designated groups: women, Hispanics, homosexuals, and blacks.  “Dis-invited” is the new word for turning away an already engaged speaker when the administration or student government learns that the speaker espouses a view different from theirs.  Ask libertarian sociologist Charles Murray and former Secretary of State, Republican Condoleezza Rice, if they know what “dis-invited” means. 

            There are many names for the spirit that permeates and reigns on college campuses.  Its opponents call it “political correctness.”  Its adherents are pleased with “progressivism,” which is understandable.  The word has a positive connotation.   I say call it leftism or socialism because its 1960’s origin and present main tenet is Karl Marx’s idea that society has two classes, the oppressors and the oppressed.  Leftist students consider themselves the oppressed.  That’s why they like Hillary Clinton’s talk about free college.

            No doubt Clinton’s election would inspire college kids to hit the pavement (and the Dean’s office) once again, ushering in another age of student protest.  No doubt because Congress will not, in this present political climate, appropriate money for every college student’s education.  And when promises are made and un-kept, a la Obama, frustration levels rise and protests happen.

            With a Clinton presidency we would again hear cries for “relevance” in curriculum, as though relevance is a stand alone judgment.  (Relevant to what?)  Students will protest traditional subjects and argue for “Family Life,” “Community Resources,” “Feminine Studies” and such.  (In the mid 70’s while education was drying off from the 60’s, Cobb County Schools taught “Bachelor Living” and “Death and Dying.”)

            There has been some pushback on universities that have been too mild with their student activists.  Last spring when the University of Missouri allowed student protesters unfettered access to the campus, even students pushed back.  This fall, enrollment was down 8 percent or 2100 students.  The university’s budget shortfall was $32 million.  So far, no pushback on the University of Michigan’s asking students to specify the pronouns by which they wish to be known.  The majority chose “he/him” and “she/her.”   “Genderqueer” students chose “ze” and “xyr.”

            And just where do those who know him think President Olens will stand on these matters, both the silly and the serious?  Squarely on the side of good sense and wisdom.  My impression is Olens knows how to listen to all parties and then to act.  We should wish him well. The American university scene hath need of him.

Roger Hines

10/27/16