Morning Wire Academic Freedom Under Fire | 7.24.22
Jul 24, 2022
College campuses are facing a crisis of academic freedom as professors increasingly experience censorship. The rise of self-censorship reveals a chilling effect on free expression and political discourse. Notable incidents, such as the fallout surrounding a Harvard professor and a Georgetown University resignation, illustrate the tension between free speech and political correctness. The ideological imbalance among faculty raises concerns about diversity of thought. Efforts by organizations like FIRE aim to safeguard free speech in academia.
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Campus Intolerance
- College campuses are becoming increasingly intolerant of dissenting opinions, impacting professors on both the left and right.
- Self-censorship is widespread, with a majority of Americans feeling unable to express their beliefs due to the political climate.
Examples of Censorship
- University of Alabama's Jamie Riley resigned after past tweets criticizing the American flag and police resurfaced.
- Atheist professor Peter Boghossian resigned from Portland State University following harassment for challenging academic fields.
Harvard Professor Suspended
- Harvard economics professor Roland Fryer Jr. was investigated for sexual harassment after publishing controversial research on racial bias in police use of force.
- Despite recommendations for HR training, Harvard suspended Fryer, reinstated his teaching privileges with restrictions, and has yet to clear his name.